FEATURES OF PUBLIC-GEOGRAPHICAL MAPPING OF CONFESSIONAL SPACE OF UKRAINE

A universal author's methodology for mapping the confessional space of the territory with the use of special methods and means is proposed. In the process of scientific research, the following tasks are accomplished: 1) an analysis of existing cartographic materials is carried out, where the confessional structure and other scientific sources are displayed; 2) the main advantages and disadvantages of using certain methods, means, techniques and symbols are highlighted; 3) its own methodology for mapping the confessional space of individual territories is developed (on the example of the territory of Ukraine and its individual regions). The offered results of scientific researches are approved at scientific conferences and congresses and have received positive responses of leading scientists of Ukraine in the field of cartography. As a result of such studies and practical application of the mapping methodology, we created a series of maps (more than 120) reflecting the confessional space of Ukraine at the level of administrative and territorial regions and cities of regional importance. We also built a map for Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Khmelnytsky, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia regions at the settlement level. This allows to identify the various areas of possible interconfessional confrontations, as well as promising destinations for the development of religious tourism. The main scientific result of the scientific research is the proposed methodology for mapping the confessional space, as well as creating tourist maps for the development of religious tourism. These results create the foundation for further scientific reflection on the process of mapping and cartographic monitoring of confessional space. They can serve as basic information for regulating interfaith relations at various levels, which is relevant for Ukraine today.