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Record |
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Author  |
Taczanowska, K.; Muhar, A.; Brandenburg, C., |
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Title |
Potential and limitations of GPS tracking for monitoring spatial and temporal aspects of visitor behaviour in recreational areas |
Type |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Management for Protection and Sustainable Development |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
MMV 4 - Proceedings |
Issue |
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Pages |
451-455 |
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Keywords |
MMV4, GPS, GPS tracking, spatial behaviour, monitoring methods, visitor flows, recreation |
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Abstract |
The application of satellite based navigation systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) to record spatial/temporal aspects of visitor behaviour has received more attention in recent years. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potentials and the limitations of GPS-tracking, based on empirical data collected in the Danube Floodplains National Park in Austria (Nationalpark Donau-Auen). A total amount of 485 hiking itineraries were collected in the field using Garmin e-Trex devices. After returning the GPS receiver visitors were interviewed and additionally asked to draw their route on the map. 372 complete records (GPS tracks plus map sketches) were thereby obtained for further analysis. The highly detailed spatial resolution of the data allowed deriving more exact route characteristics compared to traditional data collection methods such as trip diaries. GPS-tracking was more accurate than map sketches in areas with poorly defined trail network. Some respondents were not able to report the exact route, due to insufficient map reading skills or orientation problems in the outdoor environment. In such cases, in particular, the GPS approach proved its intrinsic advantages. Nevertheless, some limitations of the GPS use have also been identified. In particular, problems with the quality of the satellite signal in areas covered by dense deciduous forest turned out to be a major limiting factor for GPS-tracking in the presented National Park setting. |
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Call Number |
ILEN @ m.sokopp @ 1078 |
Serial |
2660 |
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