Harnessing GPS Spatiotemporal Big Data to Enhance Visitor Experience and Sustainable Management of UNESCO Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Mount Huangshan, China

A novel analysis of GPS and geo-tagged photo data from Mount Huangshan reveals distinct spatiotemporal patterns in tourist behavior that can inform sustainable management strategies. The study identifies a 'double-peak, double-trough' seasonal pattern and pronounced elevation-dependent visitor preferences, with hotspot detection techniques efficiently mapping hierarchical interest zones. These findings provide actionable insights for crowd diversion, spatial planning, and the optimization of secondary tour routes, offering a scientific foundation for alleviating pressure on core areas and advancing sustainable development in heritage sites.

Sun, J., Chen, S., Huang, Y., Rong, H., & Li, Q. (2025). Harnessing GPS Spatiotemporal Big Data to Enhance Visitor Experience and Sustainable Management of UNESCO Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Mount Huangshan, China. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 14(10), 396. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi14100396