Role of Thematic Maps of New Development Areas in the Atlas of Asian Russia (Using the Example of Irkutsk Oblast)

The current problem of the management of new development areas in modern conditions of geopolitical and economic instability is considered. The need to focus on the economic growth and the use of resources in Asian Russia is emphasized. The main thesis is that the new development areas in Russia can become economic growth engines upon the implementation of large resource-based and transport projects. However, difficulties arise due to the dominance of raw materials specialization and insufficient diversity of industry, which can cancel out the results of the development of natural resources. A cartographic approach is proposed to solve the problems of the development of these territories. The study is based on a cartographic technique that includes the analysis of data on natural resources, socioeconomic development, and other factors. It is concluded that there is a need for a more detailed study and mapping of the new development areas to assess their potential and to work out development strategies, especially under conditions of instability and changes in the modern world.