| This study developed a GIS (Geographic Information System) method that can evaluate and model trail location for conserving natural resources and providing high-quality recreation activities. A part of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah, was selected to evaluate and model trail locations. Physical, ecological, and cultural data were used. A map of land suitability for trail sitting, a viewscape quality map, and a trail potential map were made. Each alternative trail was made by least-cost path function in ArcView software.; Land suitability, viewscape quality, and trail potential of each current and alternative trail were evaluated. The results of t-tests showed at the α = .01 level that land suitability, viewscape quality, and trail potential values of alternative trails were higher than those of current trails. Although this study shows a few problems because of the available data and their resolutions, the method can be more useful with the future technology. |
