Tracking visitors in crowded spaces using zenith images: Drones and time-lapse

Abstract The aim of this article is to analyse the extent to which zenith images can be used to study visitor behaviour in crowded spaces. The paper presents two studies of zenith image capture in two micro-spaces (both monumental heritage sites) in the north-east of Spain: the first used drone images to conduct a quantitative study on patterns of visitor use at Empuries archaeological site; and the second was a qualitative study on conflicts of use in Cathedral Square, Girona, using time-lapse photography from a fixed camera. Results of the study show that visitor behaviour at the sites does not alter in peak season when spaces become increasingly crowded.