5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
[HTT14-P04] Relationships between trail topography and visitor activities in urban-suburban mountains: A case study of Mt. Moiwa, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Keywords:Trail activities, Trail topography, Urban-suburban mountains, Volunteered Geographic Information , iPhone-LiDAR
The increasing demand for natural areas for outdoor activities, driven by health-consciousness and a surge in mountain hiking, has led to a diversification of trail activities, including hiking, trail running, and camping. The Covid-19 pandemic further boosted visits to urban-suburban mountain areas, with a significant increase in visitor numbers observed in popular destinations such as low-height mountains located near cities. However, the rise in visitor traffic has raised concerns about the deterioration of trails and their adverse impacts on flora, fauna, soil, and water resources. To sustain trail activities that contribute to mental and physical health, effective trail management strategies are essential. Volunteered Geographic Information offers new opportunities for research by enabling citizens to actively participate in data production and use. High-definition image and topographic data obtained by emerging technologies such as Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry and Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) sensors facilitate the detailed three-dimensional (3D) measurement of surface and topographic features, enabling comprehensive observations of natural landscapes. This study aims to explore the relationship between trail topography and visitor activity in urban-suburban mountains, focusing on Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Through the analysis of visitor movement patterns by a tracking-log service and monitoring of topography using 3D measurement techniques, we seek to quantify the attractiveness and walkability of trails from the visitor's perspective. Ultimately, this research aims to inform sustainable trail management practices in urban-suburban mountain environments.