Geographic Information System Technology Research Articles

Agricultural Land Use Planning on Sustained Basis Using Landform and Land Evaluation Approach with Geospatial Analysis (a case study in East Barito District, Central Kalimantan Province)

Spatial planning for agricultural land use is required since the region with its land resource has an opportunity to be opened and cultivated. On the other side, balanced environment should be maintained in order to achieve sustainability for future use. Land resources information can then be used as basic information and prerequisite for analysis and evaluation in planning process. Because of the lack of data, this study was conducted to generate and provide land resource information. Landform approach using raster surface analysis and slope classification derived from digital elevation model (DEM) was then used to determine agricultural land regions. Procedure of land suitability evaluation in addition to geographic information system (GIS) technology were applied to define specific kind of use for lands. In the case of East Barito as study areas, mainly on the basis of landform analysis, the region can be classified into 6 slope classes i.e. <3%; 3-8%; 9-15%; 16-25%; 26-40%; dan >40%. The result of land suitability evaluation integrated into GIS environment establish that arable lands is still available with total area of 226,211 hectare (59.11%) of total study areas. Furthermore, the region can then be delineated for group of commodities involving food crops, estate crops, and forest as well with each total area 62,291 hectares (17.96%), 183,107 hectares (52.78%) and 101,513 hectares (29.26%), respectively. Several restrictive factors that should be considered include slopping lands and peat depth. Any appropriate and specific programs for agricultural development can then be formulated in land use planning process.

Decision-theoretic rough set model and spatial analysis-based waste-to-energy incineration plant site selection: a case study in first-tier cities of China.

Selecting a sustainable waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration plant site is important for handling huge challenges created by on-going municipal solid waste. However, many studies with WTE incineration plant site problems fail to determine alternative evaluation criteria and cities beforehand, which may increase decision costs and evaluation risks. This paper proposes a novel methodology based on decision-theoretic rough set model and suitable analysis for selecting the optimal WTE incineration plant site. Firstly, from the features of cities, alternative evaluation criteria are determined by three-phase method. Considering different geographical features, a geographical index system is established. Secondly, subjective and objective criteria weights are determined by an improved DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method and TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method-based linear programming model under the hesitant fuzzy linguistic context, respectively. Subjective and objective criteria weights are combined to form the final criteria weights by building an optimization model. Thirdly, the decision-theoretic rough set model is utilized to select alternative WTE incineration plant sites. We utilize spatial analysis adopting Geographic Information System technology to rank all alternative cities to build facilities. Finally, a numerical case is performed to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology. The sensitivity analysis with the parameter [Formula: see text] ranking from 0 to 1 is performed, the result confirms that the proposed methodology has better robustness. Compared with the multi-criteria decision-making methods, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methodology are demonstrated.

Intelligent Lithology Identification Methods for Rock Images Based on Object Detection

Lithology identification is a crucial step in geological research. In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence technologies has provided new insights into solving problems associated with subjectivity and labor intensity of traditional manual identification. However, when rocks are identified in situ, existing algorithms cannot accurately identify them if the image features of different types of rocks are similar or the rock textures are varied. In this regard, the study of lithology identification for the rock images captured from the field was carried out. First, the object detection algorithm of single shot multibox detector was improved by adding residual net and adaptive moment estimation, and a lithology identification model was constructed. Second, based on the above improved algorithm, the technologies of database and geographic information system were combined to develop an integrated identification method. Third, the proposed methods were applied to 12 types of rocks in Xingcheng area, China, for testing their validity, and feasibility in field geological surveys. Finally, the effects of learning rate and batch size on the identification were discussed, as the epoch number was increased. We found that the average accuracies of the improved single shot multibox detector and integrated method were 89.4% and 98.4%, respectively. The maximum accuracy could even reach 100%. The identification results were evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and mean average precision. It was demonstrated that the integrated method has a strong identification ability compared with other neural network methods. Generally, a small learning rate can lead to low loss and high accuracy, whereas a small batch size can lead to high loss and high accuracy. Moreover, the newly proposed methods helped to improve the lithology identification accuracy in the field and support the study of intelligent in situ identification for rock images.

Evaluating the Influence of Land Use and Landscape Pattern on the Spatial Pattern of Water Quality in the Pearl River Basin

Differences in land use and landscape patterns have become crucial factors affecting regional water quality. In order to investigate the effects of different land use and landscape patterns on water quality, this study used dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and potassium permanganate index (CODMn) from 147 conventional water quality monitoring stations in the Pearl River basin of China from January to December 2021 as representative water quality parameters. The quantitative relationship between land use, landscape pattern, and water quality in the Pearl River basin was investigated using geographic information system technology (GIS) and partial least squares (PLS). The results showed that the overall water quality of the Pearl River basin was relatively positive and mainly threatened by organic pollution. The water quality of the Pearl River basin was affected by the spatial characteristics of land use and landscape pattern, showing a poorer spatial pattern on the eastern and western ends and a better one in the central part of the basin. The developed PLS regression model could better explain the quantitative relationship between water quality, land use, and landscape pattern, concluding that unused urban land has the greatest impact on water quality, with an impact coefficient of more than 0.10. The interspersion juxtaposition index (IJI) for representing landscape patterns had the greatest impact on water quality indicators, with an impact coefficient of −0.15 on DO, 0.13 on NH4+-N, and 0.15 on CODMn, respectively. Meanwhile, land use types such as unused land and water and landscape patterns indicated by the Shannon diversity index (SHDI) and the contagion index (CONTAG) had significant effects on watershed water quality. The results of the study provide a reference value for the optimal adjustment of land use structure and water quality improvement in the basin.

Advancements and Applications of Drone-Integrated Geographic Information System Technology—A Review

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have gained numerous applications due to their low cost, ease of use, vertical takeover and landing, and ability to operate in high-risk or hard-to-reach areas. The contribution of this review is that of building the bridge between drone technology and its application and advancements in the field of Geographic Information System (GIS). The integration of drones and GIS is valuable as it reduces costs and improves accessibility for geospatial data collection. Traditional methods involving aircraft for aerial photography are expensive, requiring the hiring of aircraft, pilots, and photographers. Drones equipped with advanced cameras and artificial intelligence software can replace the conventional technique and at the same time, be economical and time-efficient. The integration of drones and GIS is expected to bring revolutionary benefits in the fields of precision agriculture, urban planning, emergency health response, disaster management, the development of smart cities, food delivery, etc. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review of the deployment of drone-integrated GIS applications in different fields is presented. Numerous techniques and associated challenges related to their development, formulation, implementation, and regulation are highlighted. It has been concluded that drone-integration solutions in GIS improve efficiency and accuracy, enhance the decision-making process, and facilitate better real-time monitoring. The findings of this review paper are intended to help and benefit researchers, business developers, emergency service providers, industrialists, and policymakers.

Graveyard Management with Geographical Information System and Operational Business Analytics for Negros Occidental

Managing cemeteries and memorial gardens is challenging due to manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and errors. This study introduced a geographical information system (GIS) with operational business analytics to address these challenges. As an initial deployment, this system covered only the cemeteries and memorial gardens in Negros Occidental (Western Visayas, Philippines). In addition, this study streamlined cemetery operations, improved service delivery, automated data management and analysis, and optimized gravesite maintenance. The system utilizes GIS technology to map the cemetery and visualize data, providing a complete overview of burial grounds. By leveraging operational data, the system enabled data-driven decision-making, optimized resource allocation, and predictive capabilities. The information system component allows authorized personnel to access and update burial records, automate billing processes, and generate reports. It eventually reduced the administrative tasks and ensured accurate and up-to-date information. In addition, the system has a tracking feature that simplifies ownership transfers. Furthermore, the system assisted in optimizing gravesite maintenance by providing tools to track and schedule necessary upkeep tasks. It ensured that gravesites were well-maintained, creating a respectful and pleasant environment for visitors. To enhance the visitor experience, the system incorporated a user-friendly interface. Hence, visitorscanr gravesites, leave tributes, and receive notifications using the system, creating a more personalized and meaningful experience for individuals paying their respects to their loved ones.

Application of GIS in Land Policy and Planning Strategies in Rural Revitalization

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on reviving rural areas in China, which has become a crucial strategic direction for the nation&amp;#39;s economic and social development. Currently, rural revitalization is a major endeavor in China, and the successful implementation of land policy and planning strategies is crucial to its achievement. This study seeks to examine the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in crafting land policy and planning strategies for rural rejuvenation. By harnessing GIS technology, a thorough evaluation and analysis of rural land resources can be undertaken, furnishing a scientific basis for formulating land policy. Furthermore, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide opportunities for spatial analysis, simulation, and decision support capabilities to implement rural land policy and planning strategies. Nevertheless, the use of GIS technology presents challenges and limitations in terms of data acquisition and technological implementation. To promote the sustainable development of the rural economy, future research efforts should concentrate on further enhancing the utilization of GIS technology in rural revitalization.

Semantic enrichment of building functions through geospatial data integration and ontological inference

The comprehensive definition of buildings in urban spatial databases (SDBs) and geographic information systems (GISs) is crucial for city management, considering their essential role in cities. Modern urban geospatial applications such as smart cities need a rich-information infrastructure, relying upon urban SDBs and GISs, powered by multiple data sources. In this respect, many geospatial techniques are available for acquiring geometric data of buildings, but their semantic definitions require extra effort. Today, volunteered geographic information (VGI) platforms are assumed to be alternative geospatial data sources and their integration with official datasets provides a new opportunity for the enrichment of urban geospatial datasets. In this context, geospatial semantic web technologies can contribute to the semantic enrichment process. This study presents a methodology for enriching various building datasets using GIS and geospatial semantic web technologies, enabling an enhanced definition of building functions. The proposed method makes use of an OpenStreetMap (OSM) dataset to obtain missing semantic information about building features. The enrichment process was implemented by transferring OSM point of interest (POI) values to associated OSM building features through the application of semantic web rule language (SWRL) rules. Furthermore, the same process was also applied to two additional official datasets at different levels of detail (TOPO1K and TOPO25K), which were subsequently incorporated into the geospatial ontology. The resulting geospatial ontology offers new opportunities for functional definition and logical rule-making for buildings, with the potential to uncover new classes and insights. In addition, it allows for the definition of terms and explanations in multiple languages, covering most of the OSM values used worldwide for selected tags to define building functions.

Analytical Review of the Software for Creating a City Information Model

Introduction. The article describes a forward-looking technology in the field of construction industry and urban management – CIM (City Information Modeling) – an information model of a city. Emergence of the information modelling have led to the possibility to create the 3D models not only of individual objects, but also of a city as a whole with its buildings, infrastructure, geological and environmental factors. But creation and maintenance of the city models require the software tools. The aim of the present research is to make a review of the available software, describe its properties and field of application. CIM application capacities are also defined. The tasks, which can be solved by means of such a model, are described. The result of using GIS technologies in creating a city information model with respect to the data on housing stock energy efficiency level is shown.Materials and Methods. Within the research, an analytical review of the existing software for creating an information model of a city was carried out, the works of the scientists, who contributed to the issue of urban modeling, were studied. The information sources useful for further research were identified. Geo-information systems ARC GIS 10.1 ESRI were used to create a city information model.Results. A city information model can be described as a replication of the historical and cultural, socio-economic and religious events and phenomena; the three-dimensional models, geo-information virtual systems created by means of the space-based processing and information technologies, including BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). The software complexes, which function based on the analysis of the valid data and creation of design entities, are used to create the information models of the urban territories. The major companies importing the urban modeling software, Autodesk and Bentley, offer both BIM and CIM tools.Discussion and Conclusions. The term "Smart City" has become especially popular due to development of BIM technologies. This is an innovative approach based on the digital technologies application, which directly affects the activities and efficiency of provided services and rising the city living standard. For solving the thematic problems, there exist the focused technologies and tools of the modern urban environment development. The main task of the "Smart City" is enhancement of the comfort standard of the residents’ living. This task is solved by creating a city information model integrating the information about the terrain, buildings and structures, roads, green spaces, etc.

Evaluation and calculation of urban carbon emission reduction potential based on spatiotemporal geographic model

With the growth of urban carbon emissions, found that the current urban carbon emission reduction potential assessment and calculation in carbon emissions data source, research index selection and cost are some problems, to promote the realization of low carbon emission reduction target, it is necessary to use space and space and geographical weighted regression model to obtain the spatial and temporal distribution of urban carbon reduction. This article combined geographic information system (GIS) technology to construct a spatial database. Based on the geographic weighted regression (GWR) model, a time dimension was introduced to construct a spatiotemporal GWR model, which was used to obtain the spatiotemporal distribution information of urban CEs and draw a spatial distribution (SD) map of urban CE reduction potential (RP). This article also conducted experimental tests on the carbon reduction potential (CRP) of Chinese cities by combining different carbon reduction (CR) measures. This paper uses three CR methods to test P of these cities respectively measure A adjust industrial structure, measure B to promote low carbon technology innovation and measure C is to optimize the urban space structure, the experimental results show that the average carbon emission intensity of measure A cities is 0.72 tons / yuan, 0.02 tons / 0,0.04 tons / yuan less than measures B and C; the average CE efficiency of measures A cities is 0.85,0.02 and 0.05 compared with measures B and C respectively. From the above data, adjusting the industrial structure can effectively improve the CE efficiency of various cities, reduce the CE, reduce the CE intensity, and promote the realization of CE reduction in cities.

Environmental influencing factors of COVID-19 based on geographic information system techniques: a review

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has witnessed a significant and widespread impact since its emergence in 2019. It caused serious negative effects on both population health and economy widely. Numerous researches have been done on the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many articles focused on respective environmental influencing factors of COVID-19. In this research, we reviewed the research examining the environmental factors influencing COVID-19 based on geographic information system technology. We found that five influencing aspects, namely the natural environment, air pollution, society, economy, and government management had significant impact on the transmission of coronavirus. These influencing factors affected the COVID-19 by affecting the virus, the infection opportunity, and the susceptible populations. As these researches indicated the connection between COVID-19 and environmental influencing factors, scientific communities and government should abstract the essences to make valuable decisions in the future.

Climate Change Tempted Disaster Instigated Human Migration in the Coastal Districts of Bangladesh

Climate change is one of the world's major issues and its impact particularly on migration is attracting increased attention for policymakers and experts. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of climate change on human migration and to highlight the number of migrants in Bangladesh's coastal areas. The research was carried out in the Barishal division's Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Jhalokati, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, and Khulna division's Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira districts using focus group discussion (FGD), key informant’s interview (KII) and secondary data sources. The research findings are based on both primary data and secondary data gathered from various sources, which were conducted in nine coastal districts of Bangladesh from mid-February to mid-March 2020. This paper contains mapping by analyzing secondary information using ArcGIS 10 software of Geographic Information System technology. The study revealed the scenario of human migration and displacement in nine southwest districts due to different natural calamities like cyclones, riverbank erosion, floods, storm surges, and salinity intrusion. From household survey it was found that coastal erosion influenced about 74.73% people and floods forced only 3.51% of people to migrate. From 2014 to 2020, the highest and lowest disaster induced migrants have been found in 2017 and 2020. In addition, from 2014 to 2020, maximum and minimum migrants were in Barishal, and Jhalokati, separately in a row. In 2020, maximal and minimal number of migrants have been noted in Patuakhali and Satkhira with 38715 and 1900 migrants, respectively with the maximum disaster-induced migration in Barishal division. This research would be a great source of information for future investigations concerning human migration and displacement across the coastal districts of Bangladesh.

Geographic information systems as an innovative method for increasing the productivity of agricultural land

The goal is to identify and specify the stages of formation and development of geographic information systems (GIS) in agriculture, used to improve the efficiency of agricultural land. Methods – system analysis, monographic, statistical, economic, classification, grouping, logical generalization. Results – the author shows the problems of disseminating technologies that are geographically linked in the agricultural sector abroad and in Kazakhstan. The stages of cartography, remote sensing of the earth, organizational work to collect information on the biodiversity of the territory of foreign countries, starting from laboratories, then computer programming until the end of the cycle are outlined. Natural and climatic factors that influence the composition and change in the size of the land fund of the republic, in particular agricultural lands, are considered. Negative land management processes, the presence of a large amount of disturbed land resulting from industrial production, and the existence of anthropogenic pollution that worsen soil fertility are highlighted. Conclusions – the need for wide dissemination of GIS for the rational use of land resources arose during the monitoring and assessment of soil characteristics, the need to determine the forecast level of yield, water management, spatial planning and production decision-making. The argument for the use of GIS technologies is the modern land policy of the state, aimed at creating a rational balance between the sustainable development of the agroindustrial complex and the preservation of natural potential in order to improve living conditions in rural areas. Geographic information systems contribute to increasing the profitability of agricultural enterprises and optimizing its costs. Digital cartographic products are increasingly found in the practice of intensively developing farms.

Assessment of offshore wind-solar energy potentials and spatial layout optimization in mainland China

Developing offshore wind and solar energy presents a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions. Yet, there has been little focus on the co-location of offshore wind and solar energy, and an absence of methods for optimizing their spatial layout for regional integration. To this end, this study introduces a framework to assess both the technical and economic potential using geographic information system technology, and to seek the optimal spatial layout by combining electricity dispatch simulation and multi-objective optimization. Our results reveal that China's offshore wind-solar generation potential amounts to ∼15.7 × 103 TWh/year, half of which is accessible at a cost of less than €86/MWh. This potential could satisfy 100% of the coastal electricity demands, but the proportion of offshore generation delivered to the grid and the share of load addressed are contingent on specific constraints. We demonstrate that co-located wind-solar farms diminish generation variability and that energy storage markedly reduces PV curtailment during dispatch. Our study underscores the importance of site selection in distant offshore and decentralized placement among locations with varying characteristics. Our study serves as a foundation for offshore wind-solar energy endeavors and offer crucial considerations for the spatial layout optimization of ocean renewable energy utilization.

CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN RELATION TO LAND USE AND LAND COVER (LULC) CHANGES IN KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN, MALAYSIA

The process of rapid urbanization has significantly altered natural landscapes and contributed to climate variability. Due to urbanization, land surface characteristics are changing, resulting in a changing thermal climate making cities warmer than surrounding rural areas. The study utilized remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to analyze the connection between land use and land cover (LULC) change and climatic variability in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The outcome showed that the greatest LULC change resulted from converting vegetation and bare land into built-up areas, with 25.46% and 10.17% respectively. This represents the rapid expansion of urban land caused by population growth. LST increment averaged 3.65°C in the last decade due to this massive increase in built-up areas. A linear regression analysis between LST and LULC indices, NDBI and NDVI shows that they are positively correlated. By understanding these two variables, land use planning could be further improved, hence, reducing the city's vulnerability towards climate variability.

RESEARCH ON THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC SERVICE FACILITIES IN NANCHANG OLD CITY, CHINA BASED ON POINT OF INTEREST (POI) DATA

In recent years, Nanchang City has focused on urban renewal, including the transformation of old residential areas. The spatial layout of various public service facilities in the city has also undergone significant changes. To improve the public service facility system, it is essential to analyse the spatial layout of various service facilities in the old city area. The Geographic Information System (GIS) technology combined with Point of Interest (POI) data was to analyse the spatial distribution characteristics, thereby drawing the following conclusions: Nanchang’s old urban area has less public service facilities in the edge area, and the spatial layout presents an imbalanced trend of “central aggregation - edge dispersion.” The density of various facilities around the subway is good, educational, and cultural facilities is highly correlated with other types of facilities. However, medical facilities and other infrastructure are in a state of obvious differentiation, especially in the edge areas. The above analysis proposed for relevant strategies and recommendations, thus providing a basis for future scientific arrangement of urban facilities.

Current Soil Degradation Assessment in the Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam, by Multi-Criteria Analysis and GIS Technology

This article aims to provide a scientific basis for solutions to use soil cover for sustainable agricultural and rational forestry development. We used traditional methods such as survey and data collection; soil profile comparison method; vegetation indicator for soil degradation; determining the physical and chemical limiting factors of the soil; combined with the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and the multi-criteria method (MCE) to conduct a soil degradation assessment for the Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. In this study, nine indicators affecting the current soil degradation were selected and then the single-dimensional maps were superimposed to form the current soil degradation map for the study area at a scale of 1/10,000. The study results show that: lightly degraded soil accounts for 48.81% of the total natural area of the study area; medium degradation accounts for 22.07%; and severe degradation accounts for 19.66%. The study results show that most of the soil in the study area is at a moderate to severe level of degradation and shows the need for synchronous implementation of reasonable solutions to prevent degradation and use soil sustainably in the Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam.

GIS-Based Interactive Technology in Demographic Record Management and Mapping Towards Sustainable Community

Management of demographic records plays a vital role in understanding and planning for the needs of community living. However, managing conventional records requires more time, cost, and energy without accurate assurance. As there are raising concerns in assessing community information for charity purposes, safety coordination, and crime prevention, especially during emergencies; integrating demographic data with spatial information is becoming significantly important. This paper aims to establish an accessible and visible digital platform of demographic information for respective sectors, namely, the KRT, Qariah group, NGOs, and representatives of CSR projects. The objective is to digitize interactive demographic record management and mapping through GIS-based technology. This study adopts a Geographical Information System (GIS) to digitize information using web GIS integrating with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology for data acquisition in the community sampling areas; Puncak Iskandar. The proposed system which leverages the power of spatial analysis and visualization, utilizes GIS technology to store, analyse, and visualize demographic records in a geographical context. It incorporates various demographic data sources, such as census data, health records, and administrative data in managing more efficient and effective data with lower cost, energy, time, and resources. Furthermore, the GIS-based system enables the identification of spatial disparities, inequalities, and interventions in demographic characteristics. Therefore, the integration of this system into community demographic management has provided a powerful platform for accessing and coordinating population dynamics, problem-solving, and sustainable development. The implementation in Puncak Iskandar enhances the accessibility, and visualization of demographic data, enabling policy-makers, researchers, and planners to make informed decisions based on a geographical perspective. The findings demonstrate the reliability of GIS-based demographic record management in a community living towards supporting evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and policy formulation for a wide range of applications, including urban planning, public health, and social services towards a sustainable future.

Dynamic simulation and analysis of land use competition patterns to support sustainable territorial spatial management: a case study of Shenyang City, Northeast China.

Under the context of territorial spatial planning in the new era, it is of great significance to analyze the future land use competition pattern to construct a sustainable and adaptive management strategy for territorial spatial development and utilization protection. Taking Shenyang, a megacity in Northeast China, as the case study area, and the geographic information system technologies and the patch-generation land use simulation (PLUS) model was used to simulate the land use competition pattern in 2030 under four scenarios. Meanwhile, the dynamic evolution of territorial spatial structure competition was monitored based on the perspective of agricultural, ecological, and construction land space. The results show that land use competition was driven by food security, economic growth, and ecological protection. The results showed that (1) the most frequent changes in cultivated land and construction land were found in 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, and their competitive advantage among land use types was obvious. As for the driving mechanism, the influencing effect of socioeconomic factors on land use type competition was more significant than that of natural factors. (2) The competitive dominance scenario of cultivated land protection and the synergistic dominance scenario of cultivated land, ecological, and construction could help optimize and control the land use competition pattern. (3) The information entropy and equilibrium index of the territorial spatial structure increase in both scenarios; the dominance index decreases, and the proportion of agricultural, ecological, and construction space is more coordinated. The results may assist a holistic understanding of land use change to coordinate the competition among agricultural, ecological, and construction space and facilitate the realization of high-quality territorial spatial development goals.

Developing a GIS-GPS Tracking System to Monitor Wildlife Behavior in Udawalawe National Park: Implications for Sustainable Tourism Development and Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife trips in Sri Lanka are highly sought-after by nature enthusiasts. Udawalawe National Park is a prominent tourist destination known for its diverse habitats and rich wildlife, including water birds and elephants. As the third-most visited park in the country and the sixth-largest animal sanctuary in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe is located at the intersection of the wet and dry zones, characterised by plains dominated by topography despite some hilly terrain. The primary motivation for many visitors to the park is wildlife observation, and understanding animal behaviour and habitats is crucial for responsible and sustainable tourism. Therefore, this study aimed to monitor wildlife behaviour in Udawalawe National Park to identify optimal viewing places. This study used a mixed-methods approach utilising primary and secondary data, including field observations and direct and indirect discussions. This study utilises Geographic Information System (GIS) and Geographic Positioning System (GPS) technologies to create tracks and identify wildlife viewing places that may not be officially designated. The findings revealed that the peak viewing hours occurred during the evening period and that animals tended to congregate near water bodies throughout all seasons and times of the day. About 44% of locations rich in water were identified, and field observations showed that most animals gathered in these water-rich areas, conveniently located near newly discovered tracks. The study also identified hidden and uncommon locations for observing wildlife behaviour, providing new opportunities for tourists to explore and enjoy the park. The results of this study can assist in managing the park's surrounding environment and tourist attractions and contribute to the sustainable management and promotion of wildlife tourism in Udawalawe National Park. The newly discovered tracks and viewing places can enhance the wildlife viewing experience for tourists while minimising negative impacts on the animals and their habitats. This research adds to the knowledge base of wildlife behaviour monitoring and management in protected areas. It can be a valuable resource for future studies and conservation efforts in Udawalawe National Park and other similar ecosystems.