Examining the Spatial Variability of Geosite Assessment and Its Relevance in Geosite Management

Abstract

Assessment is the initial step for experts on geoheritage and geotourism when designating geosites in a certain area. During this process, geologically interesting outcrops, formations and places are examined with the use of different criteria to see if they are suitable for geoconservation and geotourism purposes. A quantitative assessment method—Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM)—was applied in the study area, which is part of the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark in Hungary. M-GAM uses a weight factor (importance) that expresses the opinion of geotourists about 27 infrastructural, tourism and scientific indicators. This factor was examined by questionnaires at nine geosites in the area. At each site, we determined a unique importance value, which shows significant difference from site-to-site and reflects the opinions of visitors about the geosite. The M-GAM method is originally aimed at applying a common weight on each of the 27 criteria during the assessment of selected sites. While this approach is valid, we demonstrated that the method can be extended because the weights spatially vary and can be used to draw conclusions on geosite management. Practically, the evaluation of the factors obtained in this way offers an individual development plan for every site. The current state of improvement direction, the level of communication and the interpretability of the geo-objects can also be determined. In this way, we can get a more realistic development strategy for the geosites.