Open AccessMapping the potential aggregation values of ecotourism landscapes from stakeholder survey, structural equation modeling and GIS: Case study of Moc Chau site, Vietnam
Author(s) -
Pham Ta,
T. M. Pham,
Giang Thi Huong Dang,
DT Nguyen,
Quan Vu Viet Du
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0253908
Subject(s) - kriging , stakeholder , geographic information system , structural equation modeling , geography , tourism , environmental resource management , spatial analysis , computer science , statistics , cartography , environmental science , mathematics , remote sensing , public relations , archaeology , political science
The primary aim of this study is to propose a potential landscape value assessment from different dimensions rather than the traditional approach of a composite indicator. The method used in this study is the combination of data collection from stakeholder survey, score measurement for landscape value dimensions using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and spatial representation with the support of Geographic Information System (GIS). From a large-scale (n = 400) investigation in the Moc Chau district, the statistical data extracted from the survey provides input data for the score determination process. SEM analysis shows that each landscape site has 11 determinants influencing the landscape value assessment. Using the RMSE comparison (for validation) with different interpolation methods, the ordinary kriging method is chosen to model the aggregation landscape value map of Moc Chau District. About 24.97% total area of the study area has great potential for tourism development, being mainly distributed in the center of a high mountainous area. This approach can be used as a model to advocate local and regional assessment and enhance value-based management in other territories in Vietnam and beyond.