Imran Bayramov, a master’s student in the Geography Department at Baku State University (BSU), and undergraduate student Sona Pashayeva have been selected as finalists in the "Remote Sensing of Earth's Surface" competition, organized by Azerbaijan's Space Agency (Azercosmos).

Two projects from BSU stood out among the 52 finalist submissions:

• Imran Bayramov’s project, "Study of the Impact of Natural and Ecological Conditions on the Sarsang Reservoir and Adjacent Areas on Settlement Processes and Farming Potential,"
• Sona Pashayeva’s project, "Impact of Ecological and Recreational Landscaping on Sustainable Urban Development" (focused on Khachmaz District).

Project Highlights

1. Sarsang Reservoir Project (Imran Bayramov):
This study evaluated the hydroecological, geomorphological, and eco-geographical parameters of the Sarsang Reservoir. Findings were aligned with international assessment criteria, and proposals were developed for the sustainable socio-economic development of the Agdara District and rational use of the reservoir.

The project utilized advanced mapping tools, including Google Earth Pro, Google My Maps, and QGIS. Data from Azercosmos satellites, along with Sentinel and Landsat imagery, were analyzed. Beyond the reservoir’s natural features, the project identified transportation and communication opportunities in its surrounding regions. A coastal ecosystem management plan for the reservoir was also proposed.

2. Khachmaz Urban Greening Project (Sona Pashayeva):
This project examined the ecological and recreational landscaping of Khachmaz to support sustainable urban development. By analyzing current and planned infrastructure in line with the city’s general development plan, the study proposed increasing green spaces to strengthen urban ecosystems.

Azercosmos satellite data was integrated with international research from countries such as China, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and others. The project suggested innovative uses of ecosystem services in three strategic areas. A correlation was established between population growth and green space dynamics, while the urban ecosystem development (UED) indicator and anthropogenic effects on landscapes were quantified.