Spatial temporal dynamics of vehicle stopping behavior along a rustic park road

Abstract Visitor use to parks and protected areas is very dynamic. Previous studies have used geospatial models to better understand visitor flow. Geospatial data give a more accurate and precise insight to visitor movements, and investigating both space and time together in one analysis provides a more holistic understanding of visitor use. This study uses a toolbox created for ArcGIS that combines space and time into one analysis to identify space-time hot and cold spots. By entering data of stopping behaviors of visitors driving along a narrow, rustic park road, spatial temporal hot and cold spots were classified and then described by associated demographic data that was collected. The results show statistically significant spatial-temporal trends among stopping behaviors of visitors in vehicles. Such information is valuable to park managers to better understand and manage visitor flows through an area.