Geospatial Artificial Intelligence Systems in Monitoring and Assessment of Recreation Resources: Opportunities and Future Directions

Monitoring and assessment based on the concepts of geospatial science and technology have played an essential role in park management and the research field of recreation ecology. The emergence of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) systems introduces a new paradigm for monitoring and assessment of recreation resources, expanding both analytical capacity and the scope of inquiry. GeoAI systems integrated with computer vision and deep learning can automate complex processes such as visitor use estimation, vehicle detection, visitor movement and use pattern analysis, and change detection of natural resource components. Tasks that typically require labor-intensive fieldwork and data processing can now be augmented through the core components of GeoAI, such as pattern recognition and feature extraction. GeoAI offers significant potential to improve productivity; thus, we believe that the use of GeoAI in monitoring and assessment will increase, serving as a catalyst for the adoption and utilization of geospatial analysis and technology.