Authors : Onosemuode Christopher and Dare Olaniyi Timothy
Abstract: Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are becoming an increasingly integral component of natural resource management activities worldwide. However, despite some indication that these tools are receiving attention within the tourism industry, their deployment for spatial decision support in this domain continues to be very slow. This situation is attributable to a number of constraints including a lack of appreciation of the technology, limited understanding of GIS principles and associated methodology and inadequate organizational commitment to ensure continuity of these spatial decision support tools. This study analyzes these constraints in depth and includes reviews of basic GIS terminology, methodology that could be used in ecotourism development. The GIS terminology addresses the two fundamental types of GIS (raster and vector) and discusses aspects related to the visualization of outcomes. With regard to GIS methodology, the argument is made for close involvement of end users, subject matter specialists and analysts in all projects. A user-driven framework, which involves seven phases, to support this process is presented together with details of the degree of involvement of each category of personnel, associated activities and analytical procedures.
Onosemuode Christopher and Dare Olaniyi Timothy, 2010. Applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Spatial Decision Support in Eco-Tourism Development. Environmental Research Journal, 4: 187-194.