Abstract
<jats:p>The article presents the results of field research conducted in 2024-2025 in the Mangystau region with the aim of a comprehensive instrumental assessment of the current state of 20 key karst origin tourist sites characterized by high attendance and scientific and cultural value. The methodological basis included a synthesis of precise geodetic measurements using South Galaxy G9 Trimble GNSS receiver, remote sensing using Autel Evo II RTK V3 UAV, terrestrial laser scanning – RIEGL VZ-4000, a set of geophysical methods: electrical resistivity tomography (SKALA-48 system) and ground-penetrating radar sounding (Zond Aero LF, GPR Mala ProEX System). As a result, a set of spatial data was created for each studied site, including high-resolution orthophotomaps (1.86-5.73 cm/pix), digital elevation and terrain models, textured 3D models, and geophysical sections revealing the features of the subsurface structure. The obtained data allowed us to document the morphometry and spatial location of the objects and identify a number of important patterns, such as the presence of suspected karst cavities at depths of 10-40 meters beneath the Baskaragan and Otebay caves, and zones of anomalous electrical resistance due to rock decompression on the slopes of the Tamshyly and Saura valleys. This study makes a significant contribution to the development of methodology for studying karst processes in arid conditions and forms the basis for the sustainable management of geotourism resources in the Mangystau region.</jats:p>