Geographical Problems of Unification of Toponymic System of Kostanay Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The article deals with geographical and linguistic aspects of the toponymic system of Kostanay region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The aim of the study is to systematize, classify and unify the geographical names of the region using an interdisciplinary approach that includes methods of geographical, linguistic, cartographic and statistical analysis. The data of the State Catalog of Geographical Names, as well as topographic maps at a scale of 1:100,000 were used as source materials. Spatial classification of more than 8000 toponyms by administrative districts of the region was carried out, the prevailing types of geographical names were revealed, among which hydronyms, oronyms and oikonyms dominate. The spatial analysis showed a significant territorial disparity in the distribution of names and their typological groups. As a r esult of the study, an electronic database with geographical reference and classification of toponyms by semantic features was formed. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the development of methodology of geoinformational systematization of toponymic data and construction of a model of regional toponymic structure, reflecting both natural and socio-historical features of the region. The obtained results can be used in the sphere of spatial planning, cartography, cadastral activity, as well as for further study of historical and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Particular attention is paid to the standardized spelling, transliteration, and unification of geographical names, taking into account national linguistic norms and modern cartographic requirements. The resulting database can serve as a foundation for the ongoing monitoring of changes in the toponymic system and for the development of a regional geoinformation resource for the Kostanay Region.