Geographical Factors of Revitalization of Rural Settlements “Without Population

Abstract

The article proposes a method for identifying “reviving” rural settlements (RS). Case studies of the Tver region RS revealed what features of the geographical location determine a settlement opportunities for revitalization. The previous typology, based on the analysis of satellite images, showed a considerable differentiation in the degree of RS degradation, classified according to the 2010 census as “without population”. Further work to determine the leading factors of revitalization was based on the study of those RS where the houses and outbuildings, identified by satellite images, have been preserved to the greatest extent. Nearness to rivers and water bodies, position relative to federal and regional highways, and location near the regional and/or district center were chosen as key features of the geographical location that have an effect on the prospects for revitalization of a territory. The presence of registered residents (according to current records) and demarcated cadastral plots are indicators of the RS revitalization. The study showed that one third of all RS, which fell into the category “without population” according to 2010 statistics, could now be considered “reviving”. A key factor in the revitalization of rural settlements of the Tver region is their nearness to the river, mainly to the Volga River. Another important factor is the location in the zone of influence of main centers, primarily the city of Tver. The main function is the recreational (dacha) use of such villages.