Trailgazers: A Scoping Study of Footfall Sensors to Aid Tourist Trail Management in Ireland and Other Atlantic Areas of Europe

A scoping study identifies the most effective commercially available footfall sensors for monitoring tourist trails, providing actionable insights to enhance trail management. The research, part of the EU-funded TrailGazers project, evaluates six sensor types across eight trails in Ireland and Europe, focusing on power sources and mounting methods. Findings offer a decision-making tool to help managers optimize data collection for user pattern analysis, maintenance planning, and future trend prediction, such as cyclo-tourism growth. The study bridges technological assessment with practical trail management needs, offering scalable solutions for outdoor footfall monitoring in UNESCO sites like the Giant's Causeway.

Madden, K., Ramsey, E., Loane, S., & Condell, J. (2021). Trailgazers: A Scoping Study of Footfall Sensors to Aid Tourist Trail Management in Ireland and Other Atlantic Areas of Europe. Sensors, 21(6), 2038. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21062038