HOW CAN GIS INTEGRATION IMPROVE LAND MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES

Despite the increasing availability of open geospatial data and the widespread use of geographic information systems (GIS), there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding the systematic integration of GIS into community-level land management for sustainable development. Existing studies often focus on isolated applications or sectoral use cases, lacking a holistic framework for operational implementation in decentralised settings. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating a comprehensive concept of GIS integration into land management processes, tailored to the needs of territorial communities. The proposed approach covers the full analytical cycle: from the collection, cleaning, and normalisation of satellite and cadastral data to environmental sustainability assessment, spatial visualisation, and decision-making. Drawing on multi-source data (Sentinel-2, Landsat 8, public cadastral registers, crowdsourcing platforms), and using QGIS, ArcGIS, GeoDA, and Google Earth Engine, the study conducts a comparative analysis of software capabilities in spatial modelling, including the construction of NDVI, LST, and ESI indices, interpolation, regression, and scenario-based cluster analysis. A novel Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) is introduced, integrating factors such as urbanisation, vegetation cover, erosion susceptibility, and anthropogenic pressure, and visualised as multilayer thematic maps. A metropolitan case study demonstrates the operational value of GIS in land use planning and provides an adaptable algorithm for community-level implementation. The results contribute new knowledge by establishing a replicable GIS integration model that enhances spatial accuracy, planning transparency, and environmental resilience. Key challenges identified include standardising data formats, expanding digital skills, and aligning with national legislation. This study offers both methodological innovation and practical tools for advancing sustainable land governance in resource-constrained environments.