Visitation Rate Analysis of Geoheritage Features from Earth Science Education Perspective Using Automated Landform Classification and Crowdsourcing: A Geoeducation Capacity Map of the Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand

Boglárka Németh,Károly Németh,Jon N Procter

doi:10.3390/geosciences11110480

Boglárka Németh, Károly Németh + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11110480

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Abstract

The increase in geoheritage studies has secured recognition globally regarding the importance of abiotic natural features. Prominent in geoheritage screening practices follows a multicriteria assessment framework; however, the complexity of interest in values often causes decision making to overlook geoeducation, one of the primary facets of geosystem services. Auckland volcanic field in New Zealand stretches through the whole area of metropolitan Auckland, which helps preserve volcanic cones and their cultural heritage around its central business district (CBD). They are important sites for developing tourist activities. Geoeducation is becoming a significant factor for tourists and others visiting geomorphological features, but it cannot be achieved without sound planning. This paper investigates the use of big data (FlickR), Geopreservation Inventory, and Geographic Information System for identifying geoeducation capacity of tourist attractions. Through landform classification using the Topographic Position Index and integrated with geological and the inventory data, the underpromoted important geoeducation sites can be mapped and added to the spatial database Auckland Council uses for urban planning. The use of the Geoeducation Capacity Map can help resolve conflicts between the multiple objectives that a bicultural, metropolitan city council need to tackle in the planning of upgrading open spaces while battling of growing demand for land.

Highlights

While the natural environment is disappearing under growing cities and their landscaping activities [1,2,3], scientists have introduced a new conservation challenge, the protection of geoheritage: the elements of geology and geomorphology providing connection among population and abiotic nature
The Resource Management Act in New Zealand is the main law that sets out principles and priority areas for regional authorities for the development of detailed strategies and plans working toward a common target and a sustainable future
Through the first objective of analysing current formal decision instruments, we have concluded that New Zealand has an adaptive governance and is inclined toward sustainable solutions

Summary

Introduction

While the natural environment is disappearing under growing cities and their landscaping activities [1,2,3], scientists have introduced a new conservation challenge, the protection of geoheritage: the elements of geology and geomorphology providing connection among population and abiotic nature They provide the knowledge about past geological processes and allow us to make predictions for future events and their effect on human societies. Having to look after geoheritage should be the part of modern society’s lifestyle It formally was a non-existent concept in cultures to quantify the value of geological conservation because primordial societies were part of the natural environment, including its abiotic component; human society was interconnected and part of the natural environment [4]. The value of geological features was only characterised (mostly in a semiquantitative manner) when a site was a subject of extraction for raw material

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