Application of GPS tracking for monitoring spatially unconstrained outdoor recreational activities in protected areas - A case study of ski touring in the Tatra National Park, Poland

New trends in leisure and outdoor recreation show an increased penetration of remote areas and the development of spatially unconstrained outdoor recreational activities. Here we present the application of GPS tracking to monitor a spatially unconstrained recreational activity, using ski touring in the Tatra National Park (TNP) as a study case. Particular focus of the study was the spatial and temporal behaviour of ski tourers with regard to existing management measures implemented in the Park, where recreation is limited to designated zones. The research is based upon empirical data (n = 427 ski touring GPS tracks). ArcGIS and statistics software SPSS were used for spatial and statistical analyses. Our work provides detailed insights into spatial and temporal aspects of ski tourers' behaviour. Results show significant differences of use across valleys in terms of use intensity, tour length and duration as well as movement outside of designated ski touring zones. While the central part of TNP attracts the majority of ski tourers (68%) their trips tend to be short (mean values = 13 km; 5 h) and mostly within the designated zones (12% off-limits). In contrast, we found that the western valleys are visited less often but the ski tours are significantly longer (mean values = 17 km; 7 h) and frequently beyond the designated limits (21-25% off-limits). Finding adequate tools enabling better understanding of visitor behaviour is crucial for an effective management of emerging leisure activities in vulnerable environments. GPS tracking allows registering visitors' movement trajectories to be analysed both at an individual and a collective level. The results can be practically used to improve visitor management strategies in TNP. We conclude that GPS tracking is a reliable tool allowing monitoring of spatially unconstrained outdoor recreational activities.