Study of Geosystems: Development Stages and Key Results

The main task of modern scientific research is related to forecasting and monitoring the state of the environment. Academician V.B. Sochava’s theory and methodology of studying geosystems is of significant importance in such research. This article examines the fundamentals of the theory of geosystems, the stages of formation of theoretical views on systemic studies of natural objects, and the origins and basis of their origin, and it presents the fundamental concepts of geosystems theory and information on the features of geosystem studies at various hierarchical levels, as well as methods of geosystem mapping, from the creation of the first map to modern approaches based on the display of dynamic and evolutionary transformations of geosystems, which allow us to draw conclusions about what, where, and how changes can occur under the conditions of natural and anthropogenic transformations. The materials presented in the article are based on the analysis of numerous publications that presented the results of research and mapping of geosystems. The information provided in the article can become an information basis for solving professional problems related to the implementation of skills of systemic vision and cartographic modeling of the retrospective, current, and predicted state of the natural environment; the processes and phenomena occurring in it; and the features of transformation in natural conditions, as well as ongoing and planned anthropogenic activities. At the current stage, the development of this field is reflected in the Geographer (Specialist in Working and Providing Services with a Geographic Focus) professional standard approved by order of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation on December 24, 2020. It notes that the main goal of professional activity is the systematic application of geographic approaches, methods, knowledge, and information about the components and subsystems of nature and society to ensure the sustainable socioeconomic development of the country and its regions, spatial planning, and the development of optimal management decisions in various areas of the economy and environmental protection.