Схемы осредненных регионов России: попытка моделирования "снизу"

An inductive approach to modeling (schematization) of the so called averaged region of contemporary Russia, of its main macrozones and of the late 19th century Russian Empire area roughly corresponding to the Russian Federation landmass are proposed and implemented. The key method is the averaging of statistical indicators and, whenever possible, of the spatial structures of 82 regions, similar to federal subjects, as well as of 47 guberniya level units (at the end of the 19th century), by six selected groups of features (properties): from the geographical shape and composition of the region’s external contour to the number and tracing of the transport arteries and natural watercourses. The results are visualized in the form of map-like schemes, or cartoids. The steps and techniques of filling by the content by groups of properties – the thematic layers of imageries – are described. For modern regions, the assessment of the degree of compliance with the model scheme by 24 properties is performed, and the cases of proximity to the model or strong deviation from it are revealed. Finally, some problems and application areas of the proposed idea are discussed, e.g. whether it may help to make regional (or national) typology more geographic.