Mapping Wilderness 1985–2025: A Systematic Review of Concepts, Methods, and Gaps in Global Literature

To date, no systematic review has examined wilderness mapping approaches in relation to stakeholder involvement. This study systematically reviews 55 published articles, identified through Scopus and Web of Science, from the past four decades to evaluate how wilderness has been conceptualized, operationalized, and spatially represented. The analysis identifies nine mapping approaches along with 27 elements used to operationalize wilderness, with an emphasis on perceptions of naturalness and remoteness. Notably, only one study engaged stakeholders to identify specific elements representing wilderness, highlighting the lack of public participation in these processes. This study demonstrates persistent reliance on expert-driven wilderness mapping. Integrating stakeholders into the identification of wilderness elements, appropriate indicators, and their spatial extent supports a more holistic representation of wilderness and better informs sustainable land-use planning by integrating socio-cultural values.