Evaluation of the suitability of sites for outdoor recreation using a multi-criteria assessment model

The determination of the suitability of a site for recreation is a complex process that requires the integration of several criteria. The main aim of the current study carried out in the Eğirdir district of southern Turkey was to determine the most suitable zones for outdoor recreation by applying new methodological approach. Large volumes of spatial data and multiple criteria were assessed simultaneously by utilising the linear combination technique and a hierarchical analysis in association with GIS to rank the suitability of a mosaic of contiguous, semi-natural sites for outdoor recreation. According to obtained results, 33.1% was deemed very suitable or suitable for outdoor recreational activities, whereas 25.8% was determined as less suitable and 41.1% not suitable for outdoor recreation place in the study area. In addition, in order to investigate temporal changes in human activities, land use and land cover detection analysis was performed for the period 1988 to 2016 inclusive. The number of potential recreational sites increased over time, based on the increased amount of forested and grassed areas. On the other hand, increasing artificial area and decreasing shrub lands caused reduction of the potential recreational sites during the 28-year period.