The Utility of GIS for Identifying Areas of Recreation Conflict for Targeted Interpretive Messaging

Abstract

Past research has extensively studied interpretive messaging and visitor conflict within parks and protected areas. However, comprehensive understanding of how to identify trailside interpretive sign locations is lacking. The purpose of this study was to introduce an approach using geographic information systems (GIS) that supplements decision-making regarding sign placement. The study site was Grand Canyon National Park’s Rim to Rim (R2R) corridor. To identify sign placement locations, two analytical phases were conducted. First, GPS data loggers were distributed to visitors and their travel patterns were analyzed for spatial behaviors and spatial interactions that are known to influence the likelihood of recreation conflict. Specifically, locations with a high variance of visitor travel speeds and locations with concentrated visitor use were identified. Second, geographic data were analyzed to identify locations for a combination of features that together influence the likelihood of recreation conflict. Specifically, popular bidirectional trail segments with significant elevation change were identified. We reported these locations and areas using GPS coordinates for evaluation by future research. This research was a necessary step towards comprehensively understanding how to identify locations for interpretive signs.

Utilization of GPS Data Loggers and GIS Analysis for the Evaluation of Interpretive Signage to Influence Visitor Travel Patterns and Enhance Wayfinding in Parks and Protected Areas

“…Spatiotemporal information is important because every visitor experience occurs at a specific location and at a specific time (Aspers, 2006; Hägerstrand, 1970). By utilizing visitor travel pattern information, parks and protected area (PPA) managers can identify when and where visitors are moving, which can be helpful when planning what messages may be salient and where to place and concentrate interpretive efforts (D’Antonio & Monz, 2016; Peterson et al, 2021; Sharp et al, 2019).…”

“…Often researchers use Global Positioning System’s (GPS) such as GPS data loggers that are distributed to actual visitors to track actual visitor travel patterns which are then mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS; Peterson et al, 2021; Sharp et al, 2019). Prior studies have shown that visitor travel pattern information can be organized into numerous variables including total distance traveled, total duration of visit, and average speed (Beeco & Hallo, 2014) to gain a thorough understanding of movement trends and travel typologies.…”

“…For instance, Peterson et al (2020a) focused on the temporal component of visitor travel patterns at Cumberland Island National Seashore and used total time spent at attraction areas, total time spent at the visitor center, and total time spent in the park. A recent study in the Grand Canyon utilized visitor travel patterns to understand areas of possible user conflict (Peterson et al, 2021).…”

“…For example, a study of tourists travel patterns in Hong Kong resulted in the identification of four influencing factors: (1) travel party size, (2) destination, (3) first-time or repeat visitor, and (4) length of stay or total duration of trip (Lau & McKercher, 2006). Peterson et al (2021) examined social and geographic variables at Grand Canyon National Park to inform signage placement in areas of potential user conflict. Specifically, they used GPS data loggers to identify areas of high-speed variability (possible conflict between runners and hikers), high concentrations of visitor use (e.g., crowding), trail directionality, and elevation change to inform appropriate areas for signage related to minimizing visitor conflict.…”

“…Analysis of GPS data can inform visitor concentrations, time allocation, travel sequence, and how visitors distribute (Sharp et al, 2019). For instance, Peterson et al (2020bPeterson et al ( , 2021 used spatial and temporal components to gain insight on the dynamic nature of visitor concentration trends. By performing an analysis of visitor concentrations, researchers are able know which areas are more or less visited, which ultimately assists in decision-making related to resource allocation and interpretation planning.…”