Understanding Non-Consumptive Recreational Use Spatial Patterns in the Mid-Atlantic

Keywords: Spatial Patterns, Non-Consumptive, Recreational, Uses. Mid-Atlantic
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Tuesday
Session Start / End Time: 3/1/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 3/1/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 3

Abstract

The Mid-Atlantic has a well-established connection to the ocean, including a large tourist economy. While previous research has studied maritime use such as vessel traffic, there has not yet been a concerted effort to study non-consumptive and non-motorized recreational uses through the use of GPS technology. Current methods are based upon observed activities, surveying, and participatory GIS data collection. This project seeks to improve the data captured and its ability to be analyzed within a geographic information system to provide a comprehensive look at recreational activities to better inform planning and policy decisions that will have implications across various disciplines including but not limited to transportation, resiliency and mitigation, public health, and land-use planning. The project goal will be to equip volunteers with GPS tracking devices to track their recreational activities and the precise pathways and locations the activities take place over the peak seasonal time frame. The data will be captured in a web-based system that will be accessible to stakeholders providing an understanding of where and how coastal resources are being used which will improve overall understanding of how people access the water and what spaces they are moving around in. This information can then be used by policymakers to make better informed decisions on coastal management practices targeted at subjects such as access to the coast and ocean, water quality, and marine debris to improve overall conditions for those people who are participating in recreational activities.