Integrating Geo-Health and Thalassotherapy Data: A GIS-Based Model for the Black Sea Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/ijch.2025.02.03Keywords:
Thalassotherapy, Geo-Health, GIS-based mapping, Biochemical indicators, Peloids, Blue Health, Black Sea region, Metadata standardization, Preventive medicine, Sustainable coastal developmentAbstract
The Black Sea region, encompassing Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia, and Turkey, contains a unique diversity of marine therapeutic resources — mineralized seawater, peloids, marine aerosols, and coastal microclimates. However, these resources have historically been studied in isolation, without a unified spatial or analytical framework. This study presents a conceptual model for a Geo-Health System integrating GIS-based environmental mapping, biochemical and clinical datasets, and standardized geo-metadata to strengthen preventive medicine, spa management, and sustainable coastal development. Three interrelated components were developed:
- Thalassotherapy GIS Map – spatial delineation of key therapeutic zones (Pomorie, Techirghiol, Kuyalnik, Balchik Tuzla, Anaklia–Ureki–Grigoleti, Sinop–Rize).
- Geo-Health Indicators Dashboard – integration of environmental and clinical data through composite indices (HCI, PBI, CCI, TES).
- Standardized Geo-Metadata Framework – ensuring data interoperability according to INSPIRE Directive and ISO 19115/19139 standards.
Together, these tools offer a foundation for a regional Geo-Health database, promoting evidence-based thalassotherapy, digital transformation, and transnational cooperation in the Blue Health context (Gushcha et al., 2023).
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References
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