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Mapping Spatial Interconnections with Distances for Evaluating the Development Value of Eco-Tourism Resources

Author

Listed:
  • Wenqi Zhang

    (School of Soil and Water Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China)

  • Huanfeng Cui

    (School of Soil and Water Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China)

  • Xiaoyuan Huang

    (School of Economics and Management, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China)

  • Ruliang Zhou

    (School of Soil and Water Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China)

  • Yanxia Wang

    (School of Soil and Water Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China)

Abstract

The sustainable development of eco-tourism is significantly influenced by multiple conditions within spatiotemporally continuous geographic scenarios. However, existing evaluations of the development value of eco-tourism resources (Eco-TRDVs) are non-spatial and do not sensitively represent their complex relationships. This study proposed a GIS approach for evaluating regional Eco-TRDVs by mapping the complex interconnections with spatial distances. Inherent and external conditions for evaluating Eco-TRDVs were classified under three indicators and digitized using GIS and remote sensing technologies. Then, the analytic hierarchy process and GIS cost distance analysis were introduced to define the initial values and cumulate Eco-TRDVs with distances. Taking the Taihang Honggu National Forest Park, China, as the case area, the Eco-TRDVs over the entire area in 2017 and 2020 were mapped. The results present a continuous spatial variability of Eco-TRDVs and comprehensively reflect the complex interconnections of constraint elements with spatial distances. The evaluation is sensitive to the intrinsic value of poles, as evidenced by the high development values and high-density distribution of their contours. Source additions improve the evaluation considerably, with transportation networks having a greater impact than economic development zones and urban elements. Furthermore, aggravated fragmentation of the price flow field increases spatial heterogeneity. The development value shows a negative linear correlation with distance. The proposed approach handles the spatially oriented relationships of the multi-conditions, and supports future planning and monitoring of spatial-temporal changes in eco-tourism development.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenqi Zhang & Huanfeng Cui & Xiaoyuan Huang & Ruliang Zhou & Yanxia Wang, 2025. "Mapping Spatial Interconnections with Distances for Evaluating the Development Value of Eco-Tourism Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6430-:d:1701128
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hakan Sezerel & Deniz Karagoz, 2023. "The Challenges of Sustainable Tourism Development in Special Environmental Protected Areas: Local Resident Perceptions in Datça-Bozburun," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-23, February.
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    3. Peer Jeelani & Shamim Ahmad Shah & Sajad Nabi Dar & Huma Rashid, 2023. "Sustainability constructs of mountain tourism development: the evaluation of stakeholders’ perception using SUS-TAS," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(8), pages 8299-8317, August.
    4. Yu Zhang & Ning Cao, 2022. "A Model and Its Application of Quantitative Evaluation for Exploitable Value of Hot Spring Landscape Resources," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2022, pages 1-11, September.
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