Since 2007 there has been a discussion on the quality of data gained from volunteering. The information, which is gained from the volunteers, is based on the search for new experience and is usually considered as inaccurate and incorrect. This is why the evaluation of the VGI system in various forms is introduced. In the criteria analysis of the quality of VGI the Myszczuk’s (2012) dimensions of proper functioning of the VGI, the Haklay’s (2010) VGI classification levels and the Cooper’s et al. (2012) set of the VGI quality characteristics were used, which formed the basis of the information types development and a plane for the comparative analyzes. Because of their utilitarian meaning, their goal is to raise the standards of the provided information and improvement of the developed information systems quality. Analysis of the quality of volunteering geographic information (VGI) was carried out on the example of monitoring odour  immission in Tarragona and ornithological system SABAP2.

The paper presents a topological characteristics of the network passenger train connections in the province of Łódź. The effectiveness of all connections between 24 cities in the region included in the network of scheduled connections was assessed based on their frequency and duration time expressed in physical, time and economic units. In addition, the communication was defined by its potential, strength and direction of its influence for each of the examined cities in the rail system. It was found that the accessibility of the towns, on the assumption of train journey, is determined first of all by the direction of the railway. The railway pattern in the Łódź province provides access to 24 out of 44 towns. The level of transport connections between the towns in region resulting from the operation of collective transport by rail is clearly conditioned by the number of potential users. This relationship is not as clear as in the public road transport. On the other hand, the location of a city in the urban network and within the region is a secondary factor.

Urban space in Poland has undergone not only positive transformations. The objective of the research is to determine the influence of selected communication objects on the formation of the quality of urban space on the examples from two cities: Łódź and Warszawa. The investigation included a range of methods: analysis of city plans and maps, photos and local observation. It was determined that cities in Poland, being a stage for many actors who desire to attract many users, undergo many transformations of urban space. A few examples related to communication were given, contributing towards the formation of urban terrain friendly to its users and those which are hostile to the inhabitants and other users of cities (e.g. residents, tourists).

The main objective of this paper is the evaluation of land use in the areas exposed to flooding in respect of the potential loss of property in three towns – Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Kutno and Łowicz. Spatial development was investigated by the analysis of land use, using Topographic Data Base and field research areas within i.e. the 100-year flood zones. Land use was presented using GIS methods. In the Łowicz area the valley bottom of the Bzura river is very wide, especially in its western and eastern parts, which are built-up ( the central section of the river within the town administrative boundaries was embanked ). Tomaszów Mazowiecki is a town where smaller tributaries flow into the Pilica river, which is why the valley bottom reaches a considerable size, thus fostering residential development. Tributaries, especially the Czarna, Piasecznica ( in Tomaszów Mazowiecki ) and Ochnia rivers ( in Kutno ), create a sense of security among the users of these areas. This leads to intensification of land development in these areas and an increase in potential adverse consequences in the event of flooding. The analysis of flood risk levels is of a great importance and it enables authorities to conduct a suitable anti-flood protection policy.

The paper presents the results of analyses of physicochemical properties of groundwater in the Skawina area. The concentration of ions was estimated by ion chromatography and the quality analysis conducted in accordance with appropriate law regulations. Water samples were collected in September 2011. Physicochemical properties were investigated in 21 wells and 9 springs. It was found out that these waters belong mainly to the four-and three-ion waters. The samples were characterized by a relatively high mineralization in most cases exceeding 500 mg·dm–3. In four water samples mineralization amounted to more than 1000 mg·dm–3. In addition, groundwater exhibited a relatively large variation in terms of physicochemical characteristics and, in most cases, a good quality.