Point-countable \(k\)-networks, closed maps, and related results (Q1336620)

By a theorem of V. I. Ponomarev, \(T_ 1\)-spaces with point-countable bases are exactly the open \(s\)-images of metrizable spaces (\(s\)-mapping means a continuous mapping with second countable fibers). Hence the property of having a point-countable base is preserved under open \(s\)- mappings; ``\(s\)'' cannot be omitted (again by a result of Ponomarev) since every first-countable space is an open image of a metrizable space. What, if ``point countable base'' is replaced by a related concept (point-countable network, point-countable \(k\)-network, point-countable cs-network, etc.). Which mappings preserve the property of having one of these structures? A (not necessary open or closed) cover \({\mathcal P}\) of a space \(X\) is called a \(k\)-network provided for every compact subset \(K\subset X\) and every neighbourhood \(U\) of \(K\) in \(X\), \(K\) is covered by a finite subfamily \({\mathcal P}_ 0 \subset {\mathcal P}\) such that \(\bigcup {\mathcal P}_ 0 \subset U\). The main question considered in the paper is: suppose \(f: X\to Y\) is a closed mapping onto and \(X\) has a point- countable \(k\)-network. Does \(Y\) have a point-countable \(k\)-network? Generally, the answer is ``no''; the authors demonstrate this on a classical example when the limit points of \(\omega_ 1\)-many convergent sequences are factorized into a single point. There are, however, partial positive results. Earlier, \textit{G. Gruenhage}, \textit{E. Michael} and \textit{Y. Tanaka} [Pac. J. Math. 113, 303-332 (1984; Zbl 0561.54016)] showed that having a point-countable \(k\)-network is preserved under perfect mappings. In this paper, the answer ``yes'' to the main question is obtained in the following situations: (a) \(X\) is a \(k\)-space, (b) \(\psi (X)= \omega\), (c) \(X\) is normal and isocompact (isocompact means that every closed countably compact subset is compact), (d) the boundary of each fiber of \(f\) is Lindelöf. Also, the authors observe the relations between \(k\)-networks, \(cs\)- networks (``cs'' means a convergent sequence) and weak bases in the sense of A. V. Arkhangel'skij.