2018 Schallinger, Teresa: Assessing the Potential of GPS-Based Visitor Monitoring in Protected Areas Using Mobile Tracking Application Data – A Case Study in Black Forest National Park

Visitor management in protected areas (PAs) requires detailed information about visitor behaviour to understand how their spatio-temporal concentrations and distribution patterns affect the area’s resources. Since efficient visitor monitoring techniques are challenging and laborious, many PAs lack comprehensive data on their visitors. This study examines to what extent using online secondary data, more precisely GPS-tracked routes via mobile applications, is applicable and beneficial as an alternative, cost-effective method to provide data for visitor monitoring in PAs. Accessed spatial data is analysed using GIS software. The results are presented with reference to a case study in Black Forest National Park, Germany, evaluating hotspots of recreational use and off-trail behaviour. The findings demonstrate that valuable information can be derived from the assessed publicly available data. Detailed knowledge about the visitors’ composition and temporal behaviour is provided. The precise illustration of spatial distribution patterns and the compliance with the official trail network informs the national park about current visitor behaviour and thus helps to understand trends and threats. The study outcome hence supports the visitor management in adapting appropriate visitor guidance measures, educational programs and infrastructure improvements. Although the results are not representative of the overall visitor distribution in the park, the applied methodology holds great potential for PA managements to complement existing monitoring techniques and assure a sustainable recreation and resource management.