Master Guide Innovative Visitor Management Solutions

Master guide on innovative visitor management
solutions within protected areas

1 Preface_________________________________________________________ 4
2 Investment planning in protected areas of PARKS & BENEFITS __________ 6
2.1 Visitor monitoring ___________________________________________________ 6
2.1.1 Background _____________________________________________________________6
2.1.2 Technical solutions _______________________________________________________8
2.1.2.1 Chambers Electronics - Different Solutions on Visitor Monitoring (People / Bike) _____8
2.1.2.2 Eco Counter Different Solutions on Visitor Monitoring (People / Bike) ____________10
2.2 Accessibility for all _________________________________________________ 11

2.2.1 Background ____________________________________________________________11
2.2.2 Users needs and demands on barrier-free solutions in nature areas________________11
2.2.2.1 General______________________________________________________________11
2.2.2.2 Wheel chair users _____________________________________________________12
2.2.2.3 Reduced mobility, arm or hand impairment __________________________________12
2.2.2.4 Visual impairment______________________________________________________13
2.2.2.5 Hearing impairment ____________________________________________________14
2.2.2.6 Asthma and allergy ____________________________________________________15
2.2.2.7 Learning disabilities ____________________________________________________16
2.2.2.8 Reading difficulties _____________________________________________________16
2.2.3 Accessibility solutions for disabled in outdoor areas and nature environments ________17
2.2.3.1 General______________________________________________________________17
2.2.3.2 Criteria for infrastructure solutions on how to get to the protected area and get around20
2.2.3.3 Criteria for infrastructure solutions on how to move through the park ______________26
2.2.3.4 Criteria for infrastructure solutions on how to make attractions/ activities accessible __34
2.3 ICT-based visitor guidance solutions / GPS systems _____________________ 42

2.3.1 Background ____________________________________________________________42
2.3.2 Technical solutions ______________________________________________________43
2.3.2.1 GPS via PDA / smart phone______________________________________________43
2.3.2.2 Audio- and phone guides ________________________________________________44
2.3.3 User characteristics - PROs and CONs of Technical solutions_____________________47
2.3.3.1 Technical prerequisites _________________________________________________47
2.3.3.2 Effects on visitors ______________________________________________________49
2.3.3.3 Areal requirements _____________________________________________________50
2.3.4 Differences that demand varieties of solutions _________________________________51
2.3.4.1 Common goals ________________________________________________________51
2.3.4.2 Common core criteria / common needs and demands on a GPS system ___________51
2
3 Outcomes and main achievements_________________________________ 53
3.1 Visitor monitoring __________________________________________________ 53
3.1.1 Matsalu National Park, Estonia _____________________________________________53
3.1.2 Zemaitija National Park, Lithuania ___________________________________________57
3.1.3 Kemeri National Park, Lithuania ____________________________________________60
3.1.4 Region Zealand, Denmark_________________________________________________68
3.2 Accessibility for all _________________________________________________ 72

3.2.1 Maribo Lakes Nature Park _________________________________________________72
3.2.2 Kurtuvenai Regional Park, Lithuania _________________________________________79
3.2.4 Dovrefjell National Park, Norway ____________________________________________86
3.3 ICT-based visitor guidance / GPS systems _____________________________ 89

3.3.1 Mritz National Park, Germany _____________________________________________89
3.3.2 Region Zealand, Denmark_________________________________________________96
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1 PREFACE
PARKS & BENEFITS is a 1st round project of the Baltic Sea Region Programme which operated
between February 2009 and January 2012 with a specific aim to strengthen sustainable nature tourism
in eight protected areas across the Baltic Sea Region. Through international co-operation and learning
from others experiences across the wider EUROPARC network of over 400 members in 36 countries,
the PARKS & BENEFITS project has focussed on the economic, social and environmental benefits that
sustainable tourism can bring, but also on innovative visitor management solutions that help the
protected area to better balance the nature protection objectives and sustainable tourism development.
A well-organized visitor management system is a significant tool for protected areas to gain
comprehensive knowledge about their visitors to not only better meet their needs and satisfy their
expectations, but mainly to deal with visitor flows and activities within the park area to minimize negative
impacts on the environment. Today the demand for qualitative and quantitative, spatially related and
standardized data about visitor numbers is striking, in particular for areas with high visitor numbers and
for conflict zones. A systematic gathering of recreational uses and visitor flows is rarely carried out in
most European protected areas. A successful visitor management system for a protected area consists
of the following main practical instruments that contribute to the management of visitors:
Visitor Monitoring
Visitor Guidance
Visitor Restrictions
Practical Visitor Monitoring instruments are i.e. the following:

Visual monitoring and counting of tourism sights and objects
Digital photo or video monitoring
Electronically or mechanical registration of visitor numbers
Specification of total number of visitors to a concrete territory
Self-registration of visitors
Surveys (questionnaire-based, face-to-face interviews)
Analysis of secondary data & statistics
Practical Visitor Guidance and information instruments for influencing and steering tourists visits (and
keeping them away from restricted areas) are the following:
Access points, visitor centres, observation facilities & resting places (environmental education +
information + establishment of highlights)
Network of accessible hiking paths, cycle tracks, waterways
Specific theme-oriented hiking routes, cycling routes & water tourism routes
Information boards
Information material such as maps, brochures, route descriptions (print media and online)
Information and visitor navigation by offering GPS-based IT-solutions
Public transport access to certain starting points
The existence or non-existence of parking places >> access to certain starting points
Guided tours offered by rangers of the protected area
Limited licenses to tourism companies to offer organised guided tours
Specific visitor guidance & visitor facilities for disabled
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Methods in terms of visitor restriction defining whether some nature sites should be closed or limited for
access are i.e.:
Establishment of sample areas for botanical monitoring of locations with rare species >>
monitoring before, during and after tourism seasons
Registration of negative effects along tourism routes
Carrying capacity analyses
Zoning
The protected areas involved in the PARKS & BENEFITS project have planned and implemented
blueprint solutions in the fields of visitor monitoring, accessibility for all and ICT solutions & GPS
systems laying ground for implementing a BSR standard for innovative visitor management solutions
within many other protected areas.
Visitor monitoring in protected areas

The investments related to visitor monitoring are new innovative IT monitoring tools being blue-print
solutions that are tested at 3 protected areas for demonstration purposes. Prior to the implementation of
the investments a common evaluation of existing systems and actual needs of protected areas was
carried out. The partners jointly decided which systems are to be implemented for which purpose and
how it could be adapted at other protected areas.
Innovative visitor management & guidance system accessibility for all

Investments in footpaths, sight spots, information boards etc. were designed for disabled people. The
challenge and innovation was to implement disabled-friendly infrastructure in the natural environment.
While many indoor facilities meanwhile are accessible for the disabled, there is still a gap when it comes
to outdoor facilities for handicapped people. They are often excluded from access to protected areas.
Wheel-chair accessible footpaths, sights pots suitable and accessible for handicapped people,
information systems that will be especially designed for blind people or people with other handicaps as
well as other small tourism facilities for disabled belong to the investments, which the partners had in
mind when planning their budgets. The wide field of measures in infrastructure to improve the
accessibility for all has been jointly investigated by the investing partner parks. Best-practices of
innovative visitor management systems for handicapped people have been evaluated, needs and
missing links were defined as well as concrete investments that were realised to close gaps and
demonstrate how disabled-friendly infrastructure in natural space can look like.
ICT solutions & GPS systems visitor management in natural landscape

A visitor guidance and information system is a complex system with many aspects that need to be
considered and implemented. It consists of different parts such as GPS navigation and guidance,
interactive information systems at visitor centres, signpost systems, footpaths & sight spots to steer
visitor flows etc. The investing partners focused on new and innovative solutions of visitor guidance,
using ICT technology for this purpose. At the same time different protected areas have different pre-
conditions. Therefore all partners have jointly evaluated the existing situations in protected areas,
defined needs and missing links in visitor guidance and information systems. After reviewing their ideas
the partner parks decided which missing links in ICT solutions and GPS systems shall be closed as
demonstration examples of a comprehensive visitor guidance and information system, based on
modern technologies. Newest developments and modern standards of GPS and other ICT systems will
be compared and proposed for the common solution.
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2 INVESTMENT PLANNING IN PROTECTED AREAS
OF PARKS & BENEFITS
2.1 Visitor monitoring
2.1.1 Background
Monitoring has a quite long tradition in protected areas concentrating mainly on observing and
managing the natural environment. But increasing visitor numbers and public accountability lead parks
to implement more and more visitor monitoring systems. With ICT-solutions on the rise the
disadvantages of hand-made counting can be solved and the management of visitor flows can be
organised more effectively.
The investments related to the major topic of visitor monitoring and placed within the PARKS &
BENEFITS project have been discussed commonly by all investing partners to find out about the best
solutions and approaches and to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the respective
techniques. They also defined common needs, demands and goals of the visitor monitoring in protected
areas.
Purpose of data gathering through visitor monitoring

- Define hotspots and get arguments for restrictions
- Effective management of visitor flows >> better protection for sensitive areas & better quality of
experience (less crowds)
- Connect visitor monitoring with planning
- To make visitor management more effective
- To better manage the infrastructure, thus raising the quality of tourism offer
- Use data on visitor numbers to raise awareness of general public and local residents on value of the
nature areas
- Use data on visitor numbers for attracting additional service providers that can help in maintaining
nature trails / infrastructure
- Use data on visitor numbers to attract more funding for infrastructure
- Planning help for entrepreneurs: develop products at places where there is a need and possibility
Demands on visitor monitoring methods/ improving visitor monitoring

- Count traffic flows & visitors (how many and where) / Estimation of visitor amounts in natural
environment/ outdoors
- Count visitors at 12-15 locations / 15 days per year >> solve the disadvantages of hand-made
counting, which are demanding too many personnel resources >> Make management of visitor
flows more effective (counting at several objects)
- Count visitors at main trails and towers (capacity issues)
- Count visitors at national park information centres
- Generate quantitative data as base to develop a database for visitor management
- Analysis of data should be comparable
- Received data / analysis must be useful for future actions (durability!)
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Goals of the transnational cooperation
- Share knowledge on how to analyse the data
- Compare counter systems and find the best solution
- Define a (common) methodology
Resulting from the discussion the planned implementation of the specific investments was meant to
focus on the following core criteria as base for the tender process. The ICT solution should:
- be able to count hikers, cyclists and canoeists
- have an easy and transferable software
- be not too expensive
- have strong power supply
- have a long battery life
- be easy to maintain
- have low maintenance costs
- be easy to get and analyse the data
- be easy to hide outdoors
- make the analysed data comparable
- be reliable
- be vandalism-proofed
- be as accurate as possible
- have a long lifespan
- be weather-proofed all year round
- be user-friendly (keep it simple and stupid)
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2.1.2 Technical solutions
2.1.2.1 Chambers Electronics - Different Solutions on Visitor Monitoring (People / Bike)

RadioBeam People Counter (RBX5, RBX5E, RadioBeam Bicycle & People Counter
RBX5L) (RBBP7)
Features - Unique and proven RadioBeam technology - Separately counts cyclists and
- 6, 14 or 20 metre maximum sensing pedestrians
distance. - Dual frequency RadioBeam technology
- Small and inconspicuous units - Long sensing distance
- No external sensors, cables, switches - Suitable for all types of paths
- Beam passes through wood, plastic, etc - Beam passes through wood, plastic, etc
- Configurable to exclude counts from cars - Self-calibrating
- Robust construction - Optional: data logger or wireless system
- Optional data logger or wireless system - Optional: mounting posts or protective
- Mounting posts or protective housing boxes
available
Benefits - Unique and proven RadioBeam - Monitors both cyclist and pedestrian
technologies 6, 14 or 20 metre maximum usage
sensing distance. - Reliable all-weather operation
- Small and inconspicuous units - Ideal for wide paths, trails, tracks, etc
- No external sensors, cables, switches - Suitable for all surfaces - no path
- Beam passes through wood, plastic, etc disturbance
- Configurable to exclude counts from cars - Easily hidden from view
- Robust construction - Long battery life - no other maintenance
- Optional data logger or wireless system - Easy to install and vandal resistant
- Mounting posts or protective housing - Data displayed on screen or
available downloadable onto PC
Target - Unique and proven RadioBeam technology - Bicycle tracks and trails
Applications
- 6, 14 or 20 metre maximum sensing - Long distance cycle routes
distance. - Forestry tracks, rough and paved paths
- Small and inconspicuous units - Urban green-ways
- No external sensors, cables, switches - Mountain biking centres
- Beam passes through wood, plastic, etc
- Configurable to exclude counts from cars
- Robust construction
- Optional data logger or wireless system
- Mounting posts or protective housing
available
Data Logger - Records date, time and counts for download - Records date, time and counts for
to PC download to PC via a USB lead.
Wireless unit - Wireless link to PC for continuous download - link to PC for continuous download of
of count data count data
Protective - Provides high vandal resistance and - Provides high vandal resistance and
housing additional protection from the elements. (All additional protection from the elements.
models) Security screws. Contains control unit,
batteries, bike and people antennae.
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RadioBeam People Counter (RBX5, RBX5E, RadioBeam Bicycle & People Counter
RBX5L) (RBBP7)
Wooden - Incorporates the counter unit and provides - Incorporate the control box, batteries.
appearance complete installation solution. (RBX5 and antenna cable
recycled RBX5E)
plastic posts
Metal posts - Incorporates the counter unit and provides a
vandal proof installation solution. (All
models)
Wooden or - Incorporate the control box, batteries.
metal antenna cable
mounting
posts
Sources: http://www.chambers-electronics.com/people_counter_RBX5.pdf;
http://www.chambers-electronics.com/Bike_people_counter_RBBP7.pdf
Technical equipment
RBX 5
Transmitter Receiver Receiver

RBX5, RBX5L RBX5 and RBX5E RBX5L
RBBP7
Transmitter Receiver external bike antenna
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2.1.2.2 Eco Counter Different Solutions on Visitor Monitoring (People / Bike)
People People / Bikes People / Bikes Bikes Bikes Bikes
Solutions
Features
Acoustic slab Pyroelectric sensor Pyroelectric sensor ZELT inductive loop ZELT inductive Selective Pneumatic
1m (4 ft) 4m (15 ft) Greenways loop Selective tubes
Accuracy x x x x x
10-year internal battery life x x x x x
Totally invisible x x x
Accuracy on wide paths x x x *
Waterproof IP 68 x x x x x x
Directional data breakdown x x x x x
Resistant to heavy trucks going over x x x
Works with frozen ground * x x x x
Temporary and mobile counting x x x
Compatible with all ground types Except rocky soil x x
Resistant to cars going over x x x
Works with snow covering the ground x
Can count horses exclusively * *
Compatible with asphalt x x x x x
Compatible with stabilized trails x x x x x x
Does not count motorbikes, vehicles x x x x
Does not count inline skaters x x x
Does not count pedestrians * x x
Permanent counting x x x
Additional Information http://www.chambers- http://www.eco- http://www.eco- http://www.eco- http://www.eco- http://www.eco-
electronics.com/Bike_people counter.com/Pyroelectric- counter.com/files/ECO_39647_1 counter.com/files/ECO_39636 counter.com/files/ECO_396 counter.com/files/ECO_7042_
_counter_RBBP7.pdf Sensor.html?wpid=15036 268085728887_pyro_box_comp _1268685201564_ZELTbd.pdf 36_1268685201564_ZELTb 1269265608974_TUBES.pdf
act_gb.pdf d.pdf
x = yes * = yes with option = not specified
Sources: http://www.eco-counter.com/Summary.html?wpid=25144; /http://www.eco-counter.com/Summary.html?wpid=25143

2.2 Accessibility for all
2.2.1 Background
Experiencing unspoiled nature has become one of the most important leisure and holiday activities in
our fast moving every-day-life in a mostly cemented surrounding. But what most people enjoy very
easily and in different activity forms provides a barrier for those who have got a physical handicap
either in mobility or perception. Those who are dependent to wheelchair fail at sandy or muddy paths
as well as steps and stairs. Blind people do fail at only visually provided information and have severe
difficulties to orientate themselves within nature or a building. For deaf people the audio information in
communication situations, in guided tours and nature films is not accessible. Whereas people with
limited cognitive skills can not percept sophisticated language with many technical expressions.
There are a large number of barriers for people with a handicap. For a long time conventional planning
of goods and services took a fictive average person as basis. Public spaces do nowadays integrate
solutions for particular handicaps. But what might be good for people in a wheelchair is not reasonable
for deaf or visually impaired people.
Against the background of an aging society it is not the special solution for specific groups of
handicapped people that is needed but a planning that considers accessibility for all. This is the
barrier free approach the partners of the PARKS & BENEFITS project want to apply in their actions -
including the travel to and the mobility within protected areas. The partnership provides a perfect
opportunity to develop and test blue print solutions of an improved infrastructure within the protected
areas adapted to the needs of handicapped and elderly people. This master guide assembles the
users needs and demands on barrier-free solutions in nature areas, the criteria for infrastructure
solutions to guarantee the accessibility of the park, the mobility within and the barrier-free usability of
1
its attractions and furniture.
2.2.2 Users needs and demands on barrier-free solutions in nature areas
2.2.2.1 General
The Danish Accessibility Association provides on their website www.godadgang.dk detailed
information on accessibility criteria of facilities for seven different disability categories:
Wheelchair users
People with reduced mobility, arm and hand impairments
People with visual impairments
People with hearing impairments
People with asthma or allergy
People with learning disabilities
People with reading difficulties
The criteria are already well established in an Accessibility Label which is granted to 304 restaurants,
184 conference, exhibition and meeting venues as well as 211 museums and indoor attractions across
Denmark. The PARKS & BENEFITS partners decided to apply these criteria to improve their
infrastructure, outdoor furniture, attractions and facilities:
1
Source: Natur fr alle Planungshilfen zur Barrierefreiheit. Lebenshilfe Wittmund e.V., 2003
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2.2.2.2 Wheel chair users
People with functional impairments because of weakened arm, leg and body muscles and joints are
referred to as people with reduced mobility. Some mobility impaired people's leg and body muscles
and joints are so weak that they have to use a wheelchair to move around.
Wheelchair users have either manual or motorised wheelchairs. Motorised wheelchairs normally have
four wheels, but there are also scooter models with three wheels. The scooter models are generally
used outdoors for shopping and similar activities.
A manual or hand-operated wheelchair normally has two big wheels at the back and two small wheels
at the front. The big wheels have a metal ring on the outside, which the person in the wheelchair uses
to push the chair forwards or backwards. More strength is needed to push the chair backwards or
forwards when the surface is loose and/or uneven, just as more strength is needed to negotiate
upward slopes.
Motorised wheelchairs are controlled by a joystick. They are heavier and require more space than
manual wheelchairs. Three-wheeled chairs may be difficult to manoeuvre if there are two tracks in the
surface.
Wheelchair users cannot reach very long, and their eye level is low. This is important in terms of the
things they want to see or need to operate with their hands, eg information stands, pay phones and
automatic teller machines.
People who sit in wheelchairs need:
- Firm, even surfaces providing level access (without level changes).
- Slopes that are not too steep, whenever they have to overcome level changes.
- Easy-to-open doors offering sufficient clear width.
- Sufficient space for passage and manoeuvring. Furniture, equipment, etc at suitable heights. Lifts
to overcome level differences inside buildings.
- Accessible toilets.
- Dedicated parking spaces close to main entrance
2.2.2.3 Reduced mobility, arm or hand impairment
There are two overall groups of people with reduced mobility:

1. People with leg and body impairments of such a nature that they have difficulty walking. In this
context we refer to them as people with reduced mobility.
2. People with arm or hand impairments of such a nature that their arm or hand strength is
significantly reduced, which means that they cannot reach very far to grasp or operate objects.
They may also have difficulty controlling their movements and may therefore have shaking
hands and be unable to make precise movements with their arms and hands. In this context
we refer to them as people with arm or hand impairments.
People with reduced mobility cannot walk long distances and walk unsteadily. They have major
difficulty walking up stairs and on uneven surfaces. Many people with reduced mobility use an aid
when they move around, i.e. a chair or a rollator walker. Some of them use a wheelchair.
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These people have difficulty moving around on uneven surfaces and in areas with level changes and
major gradients. They also need more manoeuvring space, for example in toilets.
People with reduced mobility need:

Handrails at stairs.
Few stairs or stairs with few steps.
Lifts to overcome level differences inside buildings.
Short walking distances.
Many resting places, so that they can sit down frequently.
Firm, even surfaces providing level access (without level changes).
Slopes that are not too steep, whenever they have to overcome level changes.
Easy-to-open doors offering sufficient clear width.
Sufficient space for passage.
Furniture, equipment, etc at suitable heights.
Dedicated parking spaces close to accessible entrance.
People with arm or hand impairments generally have difficulty controlling and coordinating fine
movements. They are normally unable to open heavy doors, press small buttons and switches, turn
small handles on locks and water taps, carry luggage, etc. It is also difficult for them to reach far (up,
down or in) to grasp objects.
2.2.2.4 Visual impairment
Visually impaired people - the blind or partially sighted - comprise people with different degrees of
visual impairment: people who are completely blind and cannot see anything at all, and people who
are partially sighted and can see (something) when conditions are right.
Blind and partially sighted people generally have problems moving around and finding their way -
especially in unknown surroundings. For example, it may be difficult for them to discover stairs and
level changes before they actually stumble on them, just as other obstacles at leg or head level may
cause problems.
Blind and partially sighted people use different senses when they move around. A partially sighted
person will insofar as possible use whatever sight he or she has left and therefore needs good,
adequate lighting as well as contrasting colours to use as way finding signs. A blind person, on the
other hand, will use completely different senses - hearing and feeling - and will therefore need
changes in textures to facilitate way finding.
Many visually impaired people use some kind of aid to find their way: a guide dog or a special white
stick. A guide dog can lead a blind person around obstacles, across roads and through doors. The
white stick is used to detect obstacles at low heights and register surface changes.
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Visually impaired people need their surroundings to be laid out in such a way that it becomes easier
for them to find their way and move around. They need:
- A simple, logical layout of indoor and outdoor environments.

- Tactile and visible markings by means of variations in materials, for example in the form
of guiding lines and attention fields with surfaces that are distinctly different from other
surfaces (tactile markings and the use of contrasting colours).
- Marking at the beginning and end of stairs and ramps by attention fields.
- Handrails at ramps and stairs.
- Marking of the front edges of steps.
- Marking of changes of direction, entrance doors and lifts by attention fields.
- Well-considered use of contrasting colours.
- Good non-glare lighting.
- Sound systems and tactile systems, i.e. embossed letters, to supplement visual/written
information.
2.2.2.5 Hearing impairment
There are three categories of people with hearing impairment:
1. Deaf people: people who were born deaf or lost their hearing fully or partially at a very young
age.
2. People with acquired deafness: people who lost their hearing fully or partially at a relatively
late age.
People with reduced hearing: people who have suffered only little or moderate loss of hearing, many
of whom use a hearing aid.
Deaf people have not developed a normal language and will often use sign language to communicate.
People with acquired deafness are generally able to speak and write normally but often have difficulty
understanding what people say. Some of them are able to lip-read. People with reduced hearing have
some sense of hearing, which they use optimally - normally by using a hearing aid.
People with hearing impairment have little or no ability to understand a spoken message or use sounds
in their surroundings to find their way. They depend on good lighting and protection from background
noise. People who use a hearing aid will benefit greatly from induction loop systems.
People with hearing impairments need:
- Good visual orientation.

- Good, appropriate lighting.
- Text or other visual equivalents of all spoken information.
- Good acoustics and reduction of background noise.
- Induction loop systems.
People with arm or hand impairments need:
- Devices that can be operated without great muscle strength.

- Devices that can be operated with a stiff wrist and more than a finger.
- Appropriate positions of buttons, switches, etc.
- Appropriate sizes of buttons, switches, etc.
Some diseases such as arthritis, muscular atrophy and unilateral paralysis as well as the effects of
injuries sustained in accidents may result in reduced ability to move arms, legs and body. On top of that,
many people suffer pain, which will increase their functional impairment even further.
Many elderly people have a mobility impairment combined with other impairments such as visual
impairment and hearing impairment.
2.2.2.6 Asthma and allergy
Allergy is a reaction to substances (allergens) in our surroundings. When people have allergies, a
specific measurable reaction takes place in their immune response system whenever they are exposed
to certain allergens. Allergens are substances that are harmless to other people but may cause
symptoms in people who have developed an allergy to them. Allergens include pollen, dust mites,
animal allergens, nickel and food. Dust mites are generally found in bedrooms, while large quantities of
animal allergens are found in buildings where there are furred animals.
Allergy is provoked when breathing, taking in or being in contact with allergens. Symptoms may be hay
fever, asthma, eczema and stomach symptoms. In some cases, allergy may cause life-threatening
shock if a person is in contact with the allergen to which he or she is allergic.
People with asthma and hay fever have sensitive mucous membranes in the airways, eyes and nose.
They develop allergic reactions when their airways are irritated, for example by tobacco smoke or
perfume.
Having asthma or an allergy may sometimes imply unnecessary limitations in everyday life. For
example, many people with severe asthma or allergy cannot stay in a hotel because they react strongly
to animal allergens or scented detergents.
As allergic symptoms often occur even if only small quantities of allergens are present, it is important for
people with asthma, allergy or hay fever to have as detailed and accurate information as possible about
the presence of allergens and substances that irritate the airways.
People with asthma and allergy need:
- An appropriate choice of building materials.

- Effective airing of rooms and good ventilation.
- Cleaning and replacement of the filters of aeration and ventilation systems, air
conditioning systems and hot-air heating systems at regular intervals.
- Good, thorough cleaning.
- Detailed and accurate information about the presence of allergens and substances that
may irritate the airways.
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2.2.2.7 Learning disabilities
People with learning disabilities constitute a very broad group of people with various types of functional
impairments. They may have difficulty understanding new things, and they may be mentally and
intellectually impaired. They may also have difficulty remembering or learning.
A learning disability is caused by a disease in the brain or central nervous system. It may be congenital,
i.e. Down's syndrome, or it may be caused by an accident or a disease such as cerebral haemorrhage
or age-related dementia.
People with a learning disability need:

- Recognisable surroundings where it is easy to find one's way.
- Changes in materials and colours that help to find one's way.
- Clear and simple signage with pictures and pictograms that make the signs easy to
understand.
2.2.2.8 Reading difficulties
A reading disability is a linguistic impairment. There are many types of reading disabilities, the most
severe being dyslexia. In addition to dyslexics, the group includes people with moderate and mild
reading difficulties, functional illiterates and people with reduced ability to read as a result of brain
damage. It is estimated that about 500,000 people in Denmark have some kind of reading disability.
Dyslexics account for about 2% of that figure.
One reason for reading difficulties is that people with a reading disability have difficulty translating
letters into speech sounds, which may make their reading slow and hesitant. This often makes it difficult
to get an overview of the text read. Consequently people with reading difficulties have difficulty
understanding written material.
People with reading difficulties need:
- Audio versions of text material: audio guides, CD-ROMs, CDs, etc.

- Processing of texts to enhance their readability: texts should only include the most
important information, should be formulated as clearly and directly as possible, be
logically structured and written in a plain language. They should also be illustrated with
photos, drawings, etc clarifying the contents of the text.
2.2.3 Accessibility solutions for disabled in outdoor areas and nature environments
2.2.3.1 General
Places and facilities that can obtain an Accessibility Label
The following places and facilities can currently obtain an Accessibility Label:
- Accommodation
- Airports
- Beaches
- Camping and caravan sites
- Camping cabins
- Churches, mosques and other places of worship
- Conference, exhibition and meeting venues
- Healthcare providers
- Hospitals
- Indoor attractions and museums
- Libraries
- Outdoor attractions and museums
- Nature experiences
- Petrol and service stations
- Playgrounds
- Police and courts of law
- Restaurants and eateries
- Shops
- Sport facilities
- Streets and pedestrian areas
- Summerhouses
- Take-away, ice-cream stalls and kiosks
- Teaching facilities
- Theatres, cinema theatres and performance venues
- Tourist offices and travel agencies
- Town halls and citizen services
Accessibility in outdoor areas and nature environment in general

Investments for disabled in protected areas are a challenge that is not often taken. Compared to the
accessibility improvements that have been made at indoor facilities, outdoor facilities and especially
nature areas are lagging behind infrastructure offers and services for disabled, which excludes people
with special needs from nature experience. The ideal protected area which is accessible for all does not
exist in reality. Therefore the investments planning to establish barrier-free access at protected areas do
have a pilot character within this project. There are no comparable standards for accessible nature
areas yet.
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In order to start closing missing links the partners defined the main common goal to improve the
accessibility for all, especially for
- people with specific needs as well as
- elderly people and
- families with children
in nature areas / outdoor places and in protected areas
by following a common guideline and developing regional action plans for future investments based on
this guideline.
Common needs and demands on barrier-free solutions:

All partners agreed to set up a master plan of the ideal protected area that is accessible for all, using
the criteria set-up by the Danish Organisation Accessibility for all. These criteria are very well thought
through and do not exist in such a way at the partners countries. The needs and demands on the
solutions are defined for
- different types of handicaps (see above) and
- different types of nature areas (see above)
The master plan shall focus on the accessibility of following types of nature area:
Infrastructure to get to the Infrastructure to move Attractions and activities

park and get around through the park
Parking places for disabled Trails for wheelchair users Information system with
educational facilities
Alternative means of transport Trails suitable for physically Viewpoints
handicapped
Accessibility to the water / Bridges Lookout towers / bird watching
boats hides
Guidance system Toilets for disabled
Resting places Accessibility by transport with

help of animals / horse-back
riding
Furthermore the master plan shall contain links and references to national standards and regulations if
existing for certain aspects.
18
What are the missing links? What is the added value of the investment? / What is the benefit for
the rest of the BSR?
The missing links at partners areas are the following necessary pilot investments:
- nature cognitive path for disabled
- trails for wheelchairs
- accessibility to lakes
- handicap-accessible bridge
- horse-back-riding ramps
- benches along footpaths
- wooden path for disabled
The added value of this investment is to close gaps on the way to accessible protected areas for all. It
has a pilot character for protected areas in the whole Baltic Sea Region and shall demonstrate how to
put the demands of disabled for nature access into practice. The pilot investments chosen are reflecting
the different needs of disabled with different handicaps in different types of nature areas at partners
locations, thus being showcases documented and added to the master guide. It shall:
- support protected area administrations, municipalities and regions in decision-making
for future investments in accessibility
- function as a base documentation for lobbying towards decision-makers
- provide facts and knowledge on how to realise such investments as guideline how to
develop protected areas for disabled
- demonstrate the feasibility of creating access for all in nature areas / outdoors >> best-
practice for protected area managers
- demonstrate the added value for all visitors, including elderly people and families with
children
- demonstrate cost-effectiveness of such investments
19
2.2.3.2 Criteria for infrastructure solutions on how to get to the protected area and get around
A) Accessibility check Questions Best practice examples

Arrival by public transport / car Parking space
1. Approximate distance from nearest public transport to the facilities? Ideal case: access of protected areas to the front door by public
2. Is there a guiding line from public transport to the main entrance? transport, realistic case: car as first transport means
3. Is there a guiding line from the car park to the main entrance? 3 % of parking lots reserved for disabled, min. 1 lot
Standard: 3,50 m width x 5,00 m length, for vans (groups) 7,50
length
Parking spaces
4. Is the number of disabled parking spaces stated?
5. Are the disabled parking spaces marked on the surface?
6. Are the disabled parking spaces marked by an upright sign? Source: direct 2000
7. Is the paving in the disabled parking area even, intact and non-slip?
8. Width of disabled parking space
9. Length of disabled parking space
10. State the number of spaces for vans
Parking places for disabled & entrance to the park
Barrier-free access to park entrance & first orientation

Universal design
11. Are steps and kerbs dropped or flush with ramps?
12. Is there a tactile vertical edge of 2.5-3 cm?
Orientation and guidance e.g. Pomo Bluffs Park / Canada

13. Is there an easily understandable map which shows access routes and/or paths at the
primary access/entrance (the one that the majority of visitors will arrive at first)? (The
board with the map must be located outside the walking area.)
14. Are signs and maps located outside walking areas?
15. Are signs easy to understand?
16. Are signs easy to find?
17. Are well-known symbols used?
18. Is there a map of the system of paths?
19. Are signs and maps illuminated?
20. Are signs tactile?
B) Accessibility check Questions Best practice examples
Barrier-free access to park entrance & first orientation
Orientation and guidance
21. Whenever there are signs containing more than one piece of information and/or more than one pictogram,
the information and/or pictograms must be clearly separated. The size of the letters and the layout of the
text must take the special needs of the visually impaired, people with reading difficulties and people with
orientation difficulties.
22. Is the entrance marked with an attention field (different paving; min 0.9 x 0.9 m)?
23. Is the entrance marked with lighting?
24. May visually impaired people bring along a guide dog?
Parking places for disabled & entrance to the park
Surface
25. Is the paving on outdoor walking area even, firm, intact and non-slip?
26. Is the surface free of holes, projecting edges and other irregularities?
27. Is the load-bearing capacity of the paving sufficient to prevent footwear, wheels and sticks from sinking
into the ground?
28. Is there a parallel path or an alternative access route where paths and other passages are paved with
uneven cobbled stone or similar?
Services
29. Is there a service building/kiosk in connection with the path?
30. Is there smooth access to the service building/kiosk?
31. Is there an accessible toilet?
32. What is the distance to the nearest accessible toilet (in metres)?
33. Is the entrance to communal facilities marked with an attention field?
34. Is the entrance to communal facilities marked with lighting?
35. Does the service building/kiosk have an induction loop system?
21
C) Accessibility check Questions Best practice examples
Access path and station
Is there an access path to the bus / train station?
Is the access path stable and level across its width and slip resistant?
Is the surface of the access path that terminates at the door of a conveyance stable, slip resistant and
of a texture that does not impede mobility?
Is the path free of hazards for any kind of handicap?
Are there key areas defined on the access path with tactile ground surface indicators for people with
vision impairment?
Is there enough space for manoeuvring acts for people using mobility aids?
Are there handrails provided to assist passengers to cope with changes of level, ramps, a narrowing or
a change of direction of the access path? Handrails and grabrails would normally be colour contrasted
with their background and should not intrude into the minimum accessible path of travel.
Is the station wide enough for 2 passengers, each using a mobility aid, to pass one another?
Is there enough space for persons using mobility aids to pass one another at the access path (passing
areas not more than 6 metres from each other)?
Are there seats and space available to passengers with disabilities wherever waiting areas are
provided?
Alternative means of transport
Conveyances
Are there allocated spaces for mobility aids within the conveyance?
Are there restraining systems for safety during the ride?
If the conveyance is not low floor are there boarding devices such as hoists, gangways, ramps, scissor
lifts, aerobridges or any other means of getting a passenger on or off a conveyance?
Does the boarding system allow independent access to the conveyance?
e.g.: Using public transport by ramp solution / South Africa

D) Accessibility check Questions Best practice examples
Booked services - Notice of passengers requirements

Do the booking arrangements recognise that some passengers:
(a) have specific needs when they travel; or
(b) need to travel with some kind of disability or mobility aid?
Revision of timetables and other information

If the operators make changes to timetables or other information in relation to a public transport service, e.g.: Public transport with low-floor bus /
are the new timetables or information produced in alternative formats?
Germany
Alternative means of transport
e.g.: Bus ride in California / USA
23
E) Accessibility check Questions Best practice examples
Questions on beaches / water access: Accessibility to the water / boats

Is the beach accessible from a public road, a car park with accessible paths or a carriage road leading to
the water's edge? i.e.: Nordland County /
Is there smooth access to the water's edge, i.e. no kerbs, steps, etc higher than 2.5-3cm? Norway
Is there a ramp leading into the water? Swimming bridge
Are there any other possibilities for wheelchair users to go into the water, e.g. bathing jetty with lift? providing an easy
Does the bathing jetty have steps leading to the bottom? access to boats and
Does the bathing jetty have railings/wheel guides? angling for wheelchair
Does the jetty have a 150x150 cm turning area? users
Are there benches on the beach?
Are beach benches connected with a path?
Is there an accessible toilet /shower nearby? Canoe lift for wheelchair users
Are there changing rooms for wheelchair users?
i.e.: "Hotel am See"
Extra questions on harbour areas / access to boats: Rheinsberg /
Are the harbour areas/quays connected with an accessible path or a carriage road? (Complete form: Germany
paths) Landing stage with
Is there smooth access to the bridge/jetty/quay? electrical canoe lift
Does the bridge/jetty/quay have railings /wheel guides?
Is there a 150 x 150 cm turning area?
Accessibility to the water / boats
Is there an approved hoist that can lift the person onto the boat?
Is there an accessible toilet and a barrier free outside platform on the boat?
i.e.: "Mersey River Chalets" /

Canada
a simple beam construction
(height: 45 48 cm) provides
assistance at changing seats
e.g.: Hydraulic lift to access a fishing boat e.g.: Ramp system
24
Accessibility check Questions Best practice examples
Fishing platform
Extra questions on fishing platforms:
e.g.: a simple angling
Is the fishing platform connected with an accessible path or carriage road?
base also usable as
Is there smooth access to the fishing platform?
Does the fishing platform have railings? viewing platform with
Does the fishing platform have wheel guides? fixed bench (height: 50
Is there a 1.5 x 1.5 m turning area?
Is there a support/holder for fishing rod? cm) and balustrade
Are there benches with a seat height of about 45 cm on the fishing platform?
Accessibility to the water / boats
(height: 85 cm).
25
2.2.3.3 Criteria for infrastructure solutions on how to move through the park
Accessibility check Questions & Standards Best practice examples
Are walking areas kept free of furniture, signs and suspended objects?
Are there guiding lines in the form of railings, stone edges, etc?
Are there barriers across footpaths?
Is there a service building/kiosk in connection with the path?
Is there an accessible toilet?
Trail design prerequisites
Dimensions
Width: Main trails at least 1,50 m, better 1,80 m or even 2,00 m / Byways at
least 0,90 m
Height: upward movement space 2,30 m
At narrow trails one-way solution in round courses
(Barrier free standard DIN 18030)
Trails for wheelchair users
Surface
Surface must be low-vibration and easily trafficable by wheelchairs
Solid, even, stepless, anti-slip and jointless
Solution for flooding area: mobile constructions that can be easily removed (
see photo )
26
Grade Grade
Longitudinal grade max. 6%, lateral grade max. 2%
Suggestive: roof profile to drain the trail at both sides driving along with wheelchair is still secures in the
middle of trail
Trails with grade between 3 6 % even resting platforms every 10 m
Encounter bottlenecks
Trails smaller than 1,80 m encounter bottlenecks of 1,80 x 1,80 m at regular
intervals (sight distance)
Danger spots
Crossings
For wheelchairs drive width into bars: 1,50 m, distance between bars: 1,30 m
Even better are good visible traffic bollards with 0,90 m passing width
Danger spots
Important: fall protection at ground with side gradient (height max. 1,00 m)
Source: BT Countryside for all
27
Materials
Water bound trails

Important: professional construction with good compaction and drainage
Safeguarding by tactile side limits for blind visitors
Wooden plank trail

To protect sensitive vegetation, to cross water ways or canyons: wooden plank trails from home-grown wood
are best convenient
Planks should be across the grain and fluted for anti-slip
Jointing width: max. 5 mm
Metal grid trail

Same protection function as wooden plank trail
Important: rounded angles and small meshed grid
Stone paving
Stone paving (even and anti-slip), jointless or with an even kind of jointing, as well as asphalt or concrete but
application suggested only in areas with heavy operational demands, erosion, flooding danger, etc.
28
Are there resting areas with tables and benches along the path?
Are resting places marked with an attention field of at least 0.9x0.9 m?
Is the step depth of outdoor stairs in paths, etc at least 30 cm and the gradient max 15 cm?
Do at least the first and the last step have a colour contrast marking on the edge of the tread and the nose?
Are there handrails on one side of stairs and ramps?
Are there handrails on both sides of ramps with gradients in excess of 1:16?
Do the handrails provide a good grip (3-5 cm thick; clear width of at least 4 cm)?
Do the stairs have non-slip, smooth and even surfaces (similar to compact gravel)? e.g.: Adventure trail Brunstal in National Park Hainich
/ Germany:
Is there an accessible toilet?
Ground indicator by change in paving (length: 1 m
across entire trail width) pointing at information board
no barrier for guests in wheelchair
Orientation
Tactile rail
A round wooden beam as general guiding system and tactile rail for
visitors with white stick (diameter: 10 cm, top edge at 25 cm)
Trails suitable for physically handicapped
At wooden plank trails: tactile side angle (height: 10 cm) marked with
contrasting colours for visually impaired visitors and fall protection for
guests in wheelchairs
Indicators at the ground for blind and visually impaired people e.g.: Tingdal Plantage /
Self-determined orientation by ground indicators pointing at resting areas, crossings, information boards Denmark
Wooden beam
embedded into
nature trail pointing
at resting bench
29
Is the bridge accessible for visitors with mobility aid no steps and stairs, no hazards, fall
protection?
Does the bridge have a colour contrast marking on the edge of the tread and the nose?
Are there handrails on both sides?
Do the handrails provide a good grip (3-5 cm thick; clear width of at least 4 cm)?
Does the material have a non-slip, smooth and even surface?
Is there a tactile rail for visitors with white stick (diameter: 10 cm, top edge at 25 cm)?
At wooden plank trails: tactile side angle (height: 10 cm) marked with contrasting
colours for visually impaired visitors and fall protection for guests in wheelchairs
e.g. Fort Bragg Hole / Canada
e.g. Van Damme State Park Beach and

Pygmy Forrest / Canada
Bridges
30
Is there information about the place in braille? e.g. Nature Park Teutoburger Wald Eggegebirge/
Is it possible to have auditive information from permanent
installations or portable units? Germany
Is there text information for deaf people equivalent to the information
provided on a guided tour?
Is it possible to have personal assistance?
Is there a guide on site?
Are signs and maps illuminated or tactile?
Whenever there are signs containing more than one piece of information and/or more than
one pictogram, the information and/or pictograms must be clearly separated. The size of the
letters and the layout of the text must take the special needs of the visually impaired, people
with reading difficulties and people with orientation difficulties.
Is the entrance marked with an attention field (different paving; min 0.9 x 0.9 m)?
Is the entrance marked with lighting?
May visually impaired people bring along a guide dog?
e.g.: Integrative guidance and information system

Also see section Orientation / Trails suitable for physically handicapped for general EXPO Hannover / Germany
guidance through the park
Does the orientation map provide tactile & high-contrast elements for blind and visually
impaired visitors?
Does it also allow pre-orientation also for visitors in wheelchair and visitors with walking
disabilities?
Is the given information simple enough to allow orientation for people with learning
Guidance System
disabilities?
Is there information given regarding trail courses, junctions, gradient, accessible toilets, etc.?
Are there signposts with information for handicapped visitors throughout the park?
Do the signposts use widely-spread icons?
31
Tables and benches: Resting places
Is there smooth access to suitable resting areas with tables and benches? Barrier free resting place with under rideable table (Min. height: 0,67 m
Do resting places have backrests? and 0,55 m depth for legroom, height table top: 0,80 m)
Do rest seating units have armrests?
State the seating height above ground level in cm :42 cm
Are resting places marked with an attention field of at least 0.9x0.9 m?
What is the distance to the nearest accessible toilet (in metres)? :500 m
Access from path or road
Even access to tables and benches?
Tables and benches on firm and even surface?
Is there room for a wheelchair at the end of the table, i.e. is there a clear area
of 50 cm to table legs for foot rests
Is the seating height of the bench approximately 45 cm?
Does the bench design make it possible to sit without having to straddle table
legs and other elements?
Is there an accessible toilet nearby?
What is the distance from the table and benches to the nearest accessible
toilet?

Resting benches at trails
Accessible trail should provide resting benches every 100 m
Bench must have stable back rest, if possible also arm rest e.g.: Resting area Highline Park New York / USA
Beside the bench: free space of 1,50 x 1,50 m for guests in wheelchair or baby
buggies
An additional bed-plate (height: 3 cm) makes the access easier for blind visitors
Resting places
32
Extra questions on playgrounds:

Does the playground have a logical layout, possibly with guiding lines in the form of fences, stone
edges, hedges, etc.?
Are 'dangerous' areas at swings, etc marked by fences, stone edges, hedges, etc?
Is there a raised sandbox with an edge height of 65-80 cm and a free height of 65 cm and a free
depth of 40 cm for foot rests?
Is there an accessible toilet nearby?
Extra questions on shelters:

Is the floor of the shelter raised by at least 48 cm above the outdoor ground level?
Is there a handrail or rope along the interior wall of the shelter, 30 cm above the bottom?
Is there an overhang/sheltered area for wheelchairs?
Is it possible to stand up inside the shelter? e.g.: Clemyjontri inclusionary play
Is it possible to recharge power-operated wheelchairs? by G.E. Fielder & Associates, chartered / USA
Is there an even area in front of the shelter that is at least 1.5 metres wide?
Is the paving in the area leading to the shelter even, firm and non-slip
Extra questions on barbecue areas:
Is the BBQ area connected with an accessible path or road?

Is there room for foot rests and knees under the grill? (50 cm free depth and 70 cm free height)

Resting places
Is the operating height of the grill 75-80 cm?
e.g.: Bloomer Park Rochester Hill / USA
33
2.2.3.4 Criteria for infrastructure solutions on how to make attractions/ activities accessible
Information boards
Is the main information given in Braille?

Is the text short and easy to understand?
Are there also tactile pictures for blind / visually impaired visitors to explore nature items?
Is the reading height accessible for wheelchair users (middle height: 1,30 m)?
e.g.: Adventure trail Brunstal at Nationalpark

Hainich / Germany
Information system with educational facilities
e.g. Integrative Exhibition at

e.g. Weather resistent bronce relief board at National Park Monschau-
Adventure trail Erlensee / Germany Hfen / Germany
e.g.: Info board at

National Park de
Maasduinen / Netherland
34
Roofed info stand
Height: 2,30 m
No sills to access the information board
Middle reading height: 1,30 m
Information should be given in large font and simple language, additionally tactile font or Braille
Info stand
Information system with educational facilities
e.g.: Info stand at Adventure trail Erlensee / Germany:

Easily accessible for wheel chairs by underriding function
Lower display board provides information in Braille
Info pavilion
e.g.: Info pavilion at Adventure trail Erlensee / Germany:

Acoustics station easily accessible by guiding system, ground indicator, no sills at entrance and
tactile relief map with trail overview
Turn around area at the entrance
Green School
e.g.: Green School / Bali

A multi-functional shelter without barriers
35
Trails to viewpoints
Trail in serpentines
No steps & stairs
Uphill grade max. 6%
Horizontal resting area every 6 metres
Sufficient paving
Trail on sandy ground

Metal grid
Min. 1,20 - 1,50 m,
For blind visitors: tactile side limits and handrails (0,85 m)
Viewpoint on impassable ground

Dimensions of railings:
Viewing platform with turn-around area (min. 1,50 x 1,50 m)
View points
e.g.: Height adjustable telescope
36
Is the bird watching hide connected with an accessible path or vehicle? (Complete section on Ramps
paths)
Is there smooth access to the bird watching hide? e.g.: Bird watching
Does the bird watching hide have railings/wheel guides? hide at Nature Reserve
Is there a 1.5 x 1.5 m turning area? Leyhrn in
Are there benches with a seat height of about 45 cm at/in the bird watching hide? Ostfriesland /
Are there openings at heights of 70-140 cm where people can look out while seated? Germany
Ramp construction
with 6 % uphill
Dimensions: grade and
Is the inside area large enough to allow visitors to easily move around (min. 4,00 x 2,50 m)? horizontal resting spaces
Is the furniture movable?
Are presentation boards reachable while seated (max. 1,30 m)? Do they have tactile elements?
Lookout towers / bird watching hides
Details to consider:
No sills at crossings
from trail to ramp
Handrails and side
railings
Striated wood for
anti-slip surface
37
Dimensions:
Operating device (height of switcher, handholds, etc.): 0,85 m

Paving: solid, jointless, anti-slip (material: water bound surfaces, wood, metal, asphalt)
Width of trails leading to viewing platform: mind. 1,50 m, better: 1,80 m at bottlenecks mind. 1,20
m
Handrails / fall protection: height 0,85 m / 1,00 m (max.), additional handrail for children on 0,65 m
Door width: min. 0,90 m
Headroom: height 2,30 m, doors min. 2,05 m)
Lateral gradient: 0% - max. 2% (for ramps 0%)
Wheel protection at walls: height 0,10 m
Uphill grade: 0 - 3 %, max. 6% (at ramps: horizontal resting platform every 6 m, dimensions: 1,50
x 1,50 m)
Tables: height 0,80 m
Underriding of furniture: full legroom 0,55 m depth x 0,67 m height / knee room 0,30 depth x 0,67
height
Turn-around area for wheelchair users: 1,50 m x 1,50 m
Source: Barrier free standard DIN 18030 i.e. Naturpunkt Fgeltorn, Bruces skog, Lngeberga-
Lookout towers / bird watching hides
vgen, Helsingborg / Sweden
Combined bird tower and information centre.

Universal design
3.5 meter wide mirror at the top creating a large scale
periscope reflecting a stunning view to the ground.
38
Criteria for the mounting block: Universal mounting block

sufficiently large to accommodate both the person in the wheelchair and two assistants Reachable by ramp and ladder or stairway.
solidly build to cope with the weight of three people and the wheelchair Both 140 cm wide, which gives good stability and
strong railings around the sides, comfortable to grip and designed to enable the disabled person, if plenty of space.
Accessibility by transport with help of animals / horse-back riding
possible, to use them to assist in mounting the horse. Assistants can stand on both sides of the horse to
help the disabled person to mount
Edging of contrasting colour for riders who have
Construction alternatives: impaired vision
Making an opening in the edging around the riding-school Suitable place for a guide dog to wait.
Make a movable mounting block that is rolled out when needed
Build a mounting block outdoors, close to the riding-school (this alternative may lead to problems
with rain, snow or ice).
Dimensions:
Height adapted to the sizes of the horses and the riders, floor of the block slightly below stirrup
height, i.e., 70 cm or max 80 cm for a large horse
Possibility on the outer side of the horse for an assistant to stand in order to assist with the
mounting
Source: Access to the forest for disabled people. Rapport 1. 2005
e.g.: Barrier free riding school at Manege zonder

Drempels / Netherland
39
Availability:
Is there at least one toilet that is suitable for disabled people?
Is there at least one anti-glare mirror in the toilet or bathroom which is within easy reach?
Is there direct access to an accessible toilet from outdoor area?
Universal design - outside:

Is there smooth access without level differences in the form of steps or stairs?
Is there a horizontal 1.5 m x 1.5 m landing in front of the entrance door, measure from the hinge
side of the door? If the door opens outward, the dimension along the facade should be 1.7 m.
Does the door have a clear width of 0.77 m when opened at a 90 degree angle?
State the clear width in metres
Does the height of door steps exceed 25 mm (or 35 mm if there is a wedge with a gradient not
exceeding1:3.5)?
State the height of door steps in mm
Is there a wedge at steps?
Is an area of at least 1.3 m x 1.3 m kept free of opening doors, furniture, installations, level
differences and other things that may prevent or complicate movement or manoeuvring in the
room?
State the width of the turning area (in metres)
State the length of the turning area (in metres)
Universal design inside:

Toilets for disabled
Is there a clear area with a width of at least 0.8 m on one side of the water closet?
State the clear area on one side of the water closet (in metres)
Is there a clear area on one or both sides of the water closet?
Is the distance from the front edge of the water closet to the wall behind the water closet at least
0.7m?
State the distance from the front edge of the water closet to the wall behind the water closet (in
metres)
Is the height of the WC pan 0-48-0.50 above floor level?
State the height of the WC pan (in metres)
40
Universal design inside:

Is it possible to reach the washbasin/water taps when seated on the toilet?
State the height of the upper edge of the washbasin (in metres)
Are there armrests on both sides of the water closet? The armrests must be lift-up armrests.
State the position of armrests
Is the toilet paper holder mounted at the front end of one of the two armrests?
Are the water taps easy to operate (lever-operated mixer tap, photo cell system or similar)
Is it easy to operate door lock from the inside by means of a handle, an automatic system or
similar? In emergencies it must be possible for an authorised person to open the door with a key
or similar.
Is there a shelf for toilet bags?
Is there a hook on which clothes can be hung?
Does furniture have contrast colours so that it is easy to find?
Does the toilet/bathroom have a wall-mounted mirror? The lower edge of the mirror must not be
more than 0.9m above the floor, and the upper edge must be at least 1.9 m above floor level.
Does the toilet/bathroom have a ventilation or air conditioning system (possible mechanical
ventilation) that ensures a sufficiently high air exchange rate?
Is there wall-to-wall carpeting in toilets and bathrooms?
Can all surfaces be wiped clean with a damp cloth? Walls must not be roughcast or washed with
mortar to achieve a rough surface. Areas with textile cladding, silicate paint or types of paint that
cannot be cleaned/wiped must be avoided.
Is there at least one accessible toilet in buildings with toilets?
Toilets for disabled
41
2.3 ICT-based visitor guidance solutions / GPS systems
2.3.1 Background
GPS tools can provide a practical link to the visitor management process by contributing to the visitor
guidance and information instruments influencing and steering tourist flows by offering information on
new media and the possibility of navigation.
Tourism routes, sights and objects can be made visible on the GPS-devises or mobile phones of
tourists. By describing the routes and highlights, visitors are automatically guided to certain areas
away from restricted areas or areas which should not be frequented too often. The virtual navigation
possibility is an added-value which regular visitor guidance systems dont have. It supports the guests in
their planning of the trip as well as during the tour. It can be updated regularly with new points of
interest without having to change the whole information system (which would be the case for
information boards and print material). GPS systems can help reducing information boards at nature
sites if more and more visitors are using this technology in future. It even contributes to environment
education by offering valuable and more comprehensive information about nature sights than
information boards or brochures could do. Finally it allows an evaluation of the visitors behaviour,
preferences and needs, because it includes a statistic showing how often which sights or objects were
viewed, which allows conclusions about the most interesting and most visited areas. This information
will later be used to re-think and adapt the protected areas network of tracks and routes as well as
access points and highlights.
The main project objectives were the

Acquisition of additional target groups
- Younger visitor groups are technically interested; a multi media solution would be more
attractive for them
- Placement of foreign information (preferably English) to attract international visitors
- Audio information especially suitable for blind visitors
- Text, audio and video data not presented (or even not possible to present) on info boards
that are supposed to attract visitors in general
Functional requirements
- Display of topographical maps, schematic plans, aero photos etc. with the active position of
the user
- Zoom function, map scrolling, centering on active user position and automatically scrolling
of the map with user position change
- Options of hiking/cycling routes due to length, short route description, display of chosen
route with position, distance and required time
- Display of POIs (including, text, audio and video data when approaching) on the map
- Menu with POI and route search (special feature: quiz function with multiple choice
questions and score display)
2.3.2 Technical solutions
2.3.2.1 GPS via PDA / smart phone
Hardware requirements
- Handheld GPS System with operation system Windows mobile 5.0
- Processor capacity 400 MHz at least
- Data storage: 128 MB ROM, 64 MB RAM
- Integrated changeable and high- capacity LI ion battery (min 1200 mAh) with charger
- 12- channel GPS receiver with integrated antenna, WAAS compliant, SiRF III (accuracy min
2-5 min)
- Display size min. 3,5, resolution min 240x320
- Integrated speakers, headphone plug- in
Software requirements
- 1 single license per PDA
- Internet data supply for visitors, who have own internet- and GPS- optional mobile phones
(smart phones)
- Preparation of a content management system for data hosting and upgrading by the
national park authority
Required (external) services

- Preparation of an introduction menu
- Multilanguage realisation (menu, display) and implementation of English version
- Audio realisation for all menus
- Data preparation for a certain amount of POIs and routes
- Viewer supply for internet contents
- Instruction of the responsible employees of the national park authority
- At least 2 years of warranty and up to date approval
Costs
- Installation costs (i.e.: software and licenses)
- Price per unit: 800 900
- Maintenance/logistics costs (i.e.: costs of distributing PDAs between rental stations at the
end of a day)
- costs for staff (new employers and/or personal training)
- costs for data preparation/data upgrade (audio, video and text material)
- costs for external services (depending on choice of local partners)
43
Ideas of implementation
1) Lent handhelds (PDAs) with GPS function (one or more rental stations)
- PDAs lent and returned at certain stations (i.e.: service stations)
- Distributing PDAs to info centres needs a well-organized logistic (i.e.: lent at Station 1,
return at station 2 or PDA distributed to station 1 afterwards)
- Attractive and highly frequented areas are needed (costs <> benefit)
- Functionality:
basic map material will be used from external source (internet, local partner etc.)
certain POIs are generated as geo-referenced objects or areas
whenever a visitor comes close to a predefined spot, certain data becomes available
(audio or even video files)
visitors will get information of this POI directly on his handheld
2) Provision of software/access data for visitor smart phones

- Visitors can use their own smart phones to retrieve GPS data, info material etc.
- Costs are quite low, since visitors bring their own smart phones (only costs for software und
user licenses)
- No logistic effort
- No aerial binding, flexible und uncomplicated
- But: visitors need necessary equipment (smart phone)
Picture: Handheld "mycruso" with GPS Functionality and touch screen

(http://www.mycruso.de/stadtfhrer.html)
2.3.2.2 Audio- and phone guides

Hardware requirements
- Standard audio guide handheld should be sufficient
- Necessity of hardware for Phone guides depends on chosen system
- Necessity of database for Phone guides depends on chosen system
44
Software requirements
- No software needed, despite the audio tour data
Required (external) services

- Preparation of handheld, database/call centre, synchronisation between them and maybe
audio data (could be prepared by partners)
- Multilanguage realisation (menu and database/call centre preparation)
- Instruction by person in charge from national park authority
- At least 2 years of warranty and up to date approval
Costs
- Installation costs (i.e.: database/call centre)
- Prices for Audio guides differ depending on the demanded features
- Prices for phone guides itself dont occur. Visitors use their own mobile phones. The prices
for the call centre service depend on the features being used from the call centre and have
to be negotiated in detail.
- Maintenance / logistics costs (i.e.: costs of distributing audio guides between rental stations
at the end of a day)
- Costs for staff (new employers and/or personal training)
- Costs for data preparation/data upgrade (audio, video and text material)
- Costs for external services (depending on choice of local partners)
Ideas of implementation
Audio guides
- Usable by handhelds, handed out at lent & return stations
- at certain POIs signposts with a number on it exist, number typed in handheld for audio
guide data
- Maintenance costs and logistic efforts, when distributing handhelds between lent & return
stations
- Requirements of attractiveness and visitor frequency less important, but still existing
Picture: Audioguide Aurea, Audioguide AureaPlus (http://www.audioguide.de/de/)
45
Phone guides
- Visitors can use their own mobiles to call numbers on signposts to receive audio data
- Costs quite low, since visitors bring their own mobiles (only costs for call centre)
- No logistic effort
- No aerial binding, more flexible und very uncomplicated, since most visitors possess a
mobile
- Visitors need necessary equipment (most visitors possess mobile phones)
46
2.3.3 User characteristics - PROs and CONs of Technical solutions
2.3.3.1 Technical prerequisites
Audio- and phone guides PDAs/Smart phones
pro contra pro contra
Installation/attendance signposts easy to install signposts decrease No signposts needed, installation needs technical
attractiveness of attractiveness of area not know how, maintenance
countryside affected, no object of might need further staff or
vandalism or weather personal training
effects
handhelds generate lower Signposts often damaged price per unit higher than
unit costs, than GPS by vandalism, erosion audio guide handhelds
solution etc.
Multilanguage installation Translation easy to apply to Additional translation once software is installed,
signposts BEFORE need new signposts (if translation easy to apply to
installation new languages after PDA / SP software
installation shall be
added)
larger signpost further
decrease of
attractiveness (when
more languages printed
on signs)
Data base installation Central database / call call centre / database Digital maps already exist,
centre contactable via needs physical customization (POI setting)
handheld or mobile installation and will cause easy to realize (with help of
costs local partners)
Map material Printed maps are familiar to Printed maps as GPS data accessible at Visitors might be unfamiliar
visitors handouts create printing home (internet) before with digital maps
costs visiting park, route can be
prepared before the visit
Visitors might get lost, no Visitors wont get lost, Digital maps required when
visitor guiding visitor guiding management installing GPS system
management or possible, since navigation (maybe local partner
navigational function implemented in GPS needed)
implemented technology
Route not predictable at Maps implemented on PDA
home, planning time at / SP, no additional material
park is needed or database required,
therefore lower costs
Objects on maps are geo-
referenced and connected
to topographic info
48
2.3.3.2 Effects on visitors
Familiar, no uncommon Solution not innovative, effect of Innovative solution, therefore effect of Visitor might need technical assistance,
equipment necessary (most memorization quite low memorization is much higher more staff required, PDA needs to be
usable for every user
people possess a mobile
nowadays), no fear of personal
surveillance
Spontaneous visitors also get Much more functionality via GPS is Fear of personal surveillance might be a
access by using their mobile possible (Navigation, Guidance, more problem, equipment necessary (might be
phones comfort when planning route) complicated for certain users)
49
2.3.3.3 Areal requirements
Accessible areas needed, when using Since POIs dont need a certain Needs higher visitor frequency to justify
signposts, visitors might miss signs, when direction, Visitors will less likely miss high installation costs
using unusual routes highlights
No navigational function, highlights might be Navigational function implemented can Rental stations (visitor centres) need to
missed, if no other guidance strategies are guide visitors to highlights, they take PDAs back, higher logistic costs,
used otherwise would have missed, no since PDAs have to be distributed every
additional guidance system is required day, more centres per increasing area
needed
Needs higher visitor frequency to justify high Maps are accessible in every part of the
installation costs park when using GPS system
Rental stations (visitor centres) need to take

handhelds back, higher logistic costs, since
handhelds have to be distributed every day,
more centres per increasing area needed
When using a central database, range
between handheld and database centre
needs to be sufficient (dependent on how
technology works)
When using call centre, mobile phones need
network connection, at least for the number
of the call centre (no network stations in
protected area)
50
2.3.4 Differences that demand varieties of solutions
There is no solution existing which fulfils all the needs of partners and target groups. There are
differences among the protected areas that demand varieties of solutions:
Different park sizes & accessibility & different routings

In smaller protected areas the renting of guides would be useful to guide visitors through the park, rental
stations have to be available at several places. In bigger areas mobile phone devices would better work
as navigation system.
Internet access at protected areas

In some protected areas there are areas where no Internet connection is available. In these areas the
renting of guides would be the best solution or the download of GPS data prior to the trip through the
park. In other parks the usage of Internet-based maps is the best solution to combine it with further GPS
functions of the PDA / smart phone.
On the other hand there are some important goals that all partner parks have in common. Joint criteria
have been defined that should be a minimum standard for implementing ICT solutions for visitor
guidance in protected areas.
2.3.4.1 Common goals

- higher quality information offers at protected areas / outdoors, additional to the existing
information boards
- raise interest for nature and technical freaks, especially young people
- offer information in English language / have multi-language options >> use it for
international target groups
- Strategic approach: save information and info board locations at the protected area
- Connect the outdoor information with Internet information offers
2.3.4.2 Common core criteria / common needs and demands on a GPS system
Optional criteria / functions depending on the

Minimum criteria that must be fulfilled
target group and local pre-conditions
Technical demands: Application:
- The system must be suitable for outdoor use - Use a mobile phone application
- It should be technically multi-optional - Use lending & borrowing devices / rentable PDAs
- Use GPS equipment as ICT solution - Use big displays for lending & borrowing devices
- Develop a database solution - Use PDAs with a long duration of battery supply
- Use a Content Management System for easy Maps:
update and data management
- Use open street map for geographic data or other
How to provide data: Internet-based maps
- Availability of downloads at the Internet - Use own topographic maps & add GPS data
- Direct download of information on mobile
phone or PDA prior or during the trip
Optional criteria / functions depending on the
Minimum criteria that must be fulfilled
target group and local pre-conditions
Content-related demands: Content:
- The system should be usable for information - Integrate speakers / audio-data in the database
AND orientation / navigation in the area - Integrate short videos in the database
- Describe routes and trails - Include information pop-ups on sights
- Present POIs (points of interest) - Include a quiz function
- Integrate pictures and texts about POIs
- Provide nature information / describe flora
and fauna
- Make the invisible visible (e.g. look into the
past, show pictures of species that are not
always seen)
- Provide information about history of scenes
and locations
- Provide information in English language and
local language
Marketing:
- Make it public / do PR-work about the new
facilities
52
3 OUTCOMES AND MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS
3.1 Visitor monitoring
3.1.1 Matsalu National Park, Estonia
Status quo of visitor monitoring before the investment implementation

Counting / monitoring system and methods in use:
- Visitor surveys in Matsalu area: irregularly; the last survey took place 2 years ago
- Mobile positioning: Positium LBS - Location Based Services - is dealing with mobile positioning
issues. They apply the location of mobile telephones to geographical applications and geography
for mobile positioning. Mobile positioning is especially efficient for studying tourism in rural regions
with sparse infrastructure and areas with high transit flows, since traditional accommodation
statistics and surveys are not adequate.
- Visitor counting in Matsalu Centre: every year
Main objectives of new planning

- to monitor visitor (what they visit, where they go)
- to monitor capacity (nature protection issues)
Needs
- must be weather-proof
- counter system should be simple (calibration problems)
- installation needed at 10-15 locations (hiking trails, observation towers, bridges, etc)
Preparational work
- Research on products and analysing of previous experiences of Environmental Board (30
counters were bought, tested and monitored in 2010) and Estonian University of Life Sciences
53
Type of investment
- Eco-Compteur Bluetooth 1 Slab with a logger (manhole)
Technical description
- Identifies stepping on the slab
- Built-in timer
- Applicable for counting people as well as bicycles
- Between temperature -40C +60C
- Slab is 50x60 cm, 1,6cm thick, buried under ground 5-10 cm deep, connected with the logger
with 4 m long cable
- Slab and logger are water-proof
- Logger battery lifetime is 10 years
- Bluetooth logger is accessible with notebook
Strengths and weaknesses of seismical and vibration responsive devices:

++ easy to hide, weatherproof, low energy usage, possible to receive time and date specific data,
no need for supporting structures, possible to install under ground.
-- type, density and freezing of the soil, burial depth and intensity of the step-on (weight) may
influence response. Counting groups may be problematic.
54
Implementation
- Counter was bought during April 2011, but the installment took place at the end of May.
- Counter was installed by the university.
- Monitor visitors going off the track in Salevere grow hill.
Installment
A) Find the right spot, which is also easy to find by you!

B) Bottleneck
C) Path should be on steady and even ground
D) Putting in the ground + sand underneath and on top
E) Hiding the logger
Results of test period / feedback from users

- Monitoring took place from June-September 2011
- Retrieving data in the end (07.10.2011)
- 2 responsible persons (protection specialist, nature education specialist) and 1 technical worker
- Usually up to 3000 people visit the legal trail yearly, 150 went off the track during monitoring
period
55
Conclusions
- The spot will be changed next year
- In 2011 it was planned to monitor fishermen, but the purchase of thecounter and installment
took too much time; fishing season was already over
- But spots are still monitored where wrongful doing is known to take place (i.e. people fishing
where they should not, people going off track)
56
3.1.2 Zemaitija National Park, Lithuania
Status quo of visitor monitoring in Lithuania and Zemaitija National Park

- In Lithuania only 1 protected area has visitor counters
- Lithuania has a national landscape and visitor monitoring strategy for protected areas; Lithuanian
protected areas dont have separate strategies
- During project lifetime the Association of Lithuanian State Parks and Reserves in cooperation
with the Environmental Ministry will prepare a new visitor monitoring strategy

- monitor visitors & capacity to get exact numbers on how popular the planned cognitive path is
Type of investment realized

- 2 visitor counters were installed along eire nature cognitive path one for pedestrians /
bicycles and one for cars
- It is the most popular 4,1 km length nature path in National park where visitors can discover 4
different ecosystems (forest, transitional mires, meadows, water). The path will be integrated to
bicycle path around the lake
The park has decided to invest in the Eco-combo Bluetooth counters from Eco-Compteur
http://www.eco-compteur.com/. One counter has been set up to count a cars and one for bicycles and
pedestrians.
1) Eco-Multi is an innovative and versatile counter which is able to differentiate cyclists, pedestrians and
motorized vehicles. The complete system aggregates different technologies of sensors, each sensor
being dedicated to a single user type. The different signals are analyzed by an intelligent system, the
SMART CONNECT, which is able to make prioritize choices in order to classify the different user types.
The logger can be simultaneously connected to several different sensors, and is able to manage and
store individually the data coming from each channel (in/out), of each sensor.
Eco-Combo is the Intelligent Counting Logger. It is the achievement of several years of Research &
Development and is compatible with the whole Eco-Counter range. This intelligent logger collects stores
and transmits the data - via a Bluetooth or GSM connection - directly to the online data management
platform Eco-Visio.
2) ZELT for cars Sensor

Developed, tested and patterned by the CETE Sud Ouest since 1999, adapted and validated by Eco-
Counter, the ZELT Inductive Loop Sensor is a great innovation. Designed to count bikes, we adapt it to
count cars as well. This loop provides a low consumption alternative with a battery life of 1 year.
An inductive loop is inserted in the road (2 to 5 cm). Each time a car goes over the loop, the system
detect the wheels electromagnetic signature and make a count. The loop has a length of 1.5 m. It is
possible to joint up to 4 loops. Discrete because inserted in the road, the sensor is almost completely
invisible. This reduces the risk of vandalism. A 7.2V lithium-ion battery allows autonomy of 1 year. The
system can be used for permanent or semi-permanent counting. The sensor can also be used
punctually.
57
Location
- Counters are located on the Western shore of Plateliai Lake where the main infrastructure for
tourism is located and visitor numbers during the summer are the highest (Plunge municipality,
Plateliai eldership, Zemaitija National park)
Results of test period / feedback of users

Technical performance:
- Totally invisible, everything ishidden under the surface of the road, limited risk of vandalism
- Data will be taken one's per year
- Battery warranty: 10 years
Practical use by staff and/or/ rangers / data readout:
- staff of Zemaitija National Park is responsible for the counters
- All data will be uploaded to the server and analyzed
Monitoring results:
- The data from the car counter was taken in November 2011. From August 2011 until October
2011 the Western part of Plateliai Lake was visited 7.218 times (3.468 during August 2011)
58
Problems to be solved
The counters give brief information about visitor flows in the western part of Zemaitija National Park.
The new visitor monitoring data will be accurate and will give real numbers which will be used as main
indicator for the need of new investments. These counters are the first counters in Lithuania, bought by
protected areas. In general the opinion about use of counters was bad because of the big risk of
vandalism and high price.
Costs
Description Quantity Unit Price Discount Total Total
Discount
Price
Eco-Combo Bluetooth 2 ZELT Car 1 2,051.00 10 % 205.10 1,845.90
Loops Bidirectional for road 4m or
13' wide prepared for manhole
Eco-Combo Bluetooth Multi 1 2,652.00 10 % 265.20 2,386.80
(ZELT/PYRO) Unidirectional for
road 3m or 10' wide prepared for
manhole
Rainbird Manhole 2 61.00 % 0.00 122.00
Eco-Link + Bluetooth Dongle 1 100.00 100 % 100.00 0.00
Eco-visio License Fee between 1 1 200.00 100 % 200.00 0.00
to 3 counters
national VAT 914,49
Total 5.269,19
Date of realization
The counters were installed in August 2011.
Pictures
59
3.1.3 Kemeri National Park, Lithuania
Accessibility of the area

- very good: 3 highways E22, A9, P128, (cars, buses) / Dense network of small roads / railway (3
stations) / (by bicycles & on foot along the roads & along the beach, by boats along Lielupe River)
- but: easy access generates a lot of traffic / forest roads are frequently used
Main visitor groups that need to be monitored

1. People relaxing on the beach
2. Tourists (visiting nature trails, objects of interest on foot, on bicycles), birdwatchers.
3. People attending events (including joint work, orienteering), camps
4. Children attending nature school
5. People picking flowers, berries and mushrooms
6. Anglers, hunters
7. Others (walkers, diggers for treasure, biologists,
8. Photographers, 4x4, snowmobiles, water bikes
9. Geo-caching, private plains
Status quo of visitor monitoring in Kemeri National Park

1. Counting at visitor centre (May - September)!
Register tourism arrivals: date, time, means of transport, language they speak, plans to go
2. Counting + interviews at nature trails (by volunteers)!
Register tourism traffic: date, time, have you been to the visitor centre? >> counting 3 times per
day: morning, afternoon, evening
3. Counting people at events & nature school
4. Information from other statistics:
Visitors staying at guest houses, hotels (through local Tourism information office)
Fishermen at Lake Kanieris (boat station)
Guided groups (only from guides trained by Kemeri NP Administration)
Goals / priorities of visitor monitoring

1. Visitor numbers in hot spots (seaside areas)
2. Visitor numbers at nature trails, bicycle trails and objects of interest managed by Kemeri NP
Administration
3. Visitor numbers at events organized by Kemeri NP Administration
4. Total number of tourists per year
5. Total number of visitors per year
60
Visitor monitoring in seaside areas
- Counting parked cars:
At parking lots
Along the highway
- Estimating the average number of people per car

- There are problems at the seaside area at hot spots:
The number of (Lithuanian) tourists is increasing
There are no tourism facilities (toilets, garbage bins)
The parking problem is increasing
- A monitoring method is needed
Counting visitors at nature trails, objects of interest, bicycle trails:

- Nature trail at Lake Slokas (narrow trail in a forest)
- Dunduru meadows (at tower)
- Boardwalk in black alder forest
- Bicycle trail at Lake Slokas (small road trough forest)
- Birdwatching tower at Lake Kanieris
Need for an ICT solution! 4 outdoor people counters, one people/bicycle counter
Counting devises could probably be integrated in bird watching towers or in stumps along trails
Spots of secondary demand

- Bog restoration site (counter for people & possibly cars)
- Nature trail to sulphur ponds (counter & camera)
- Melnezers Lake resting place (camera)
- Lilijas Lake resting place (camera)
Only one camera for all locations is needed >> monitoring places will be changed from time to
time
Total number of tourists per year

- Counting tourists in Centre of Kemeri (at Sulphur Spring)
- Counting tourists on bicycle trails at Lake Valgums
- Should include all major visitor groups without overlapping:
Total number of tourists
Total number of people relaxing on the beach (+2nd beach)
Anglers at Lake Kanieris
Hunters
People picking berries and mushrooms
People attending national park events (+ events organized by municipalities, NGOs.)
61
Type of counting system planned
Automatic electronic counters, preferably with pyro-electric sensors or radio transmitters
Main demands
- Outdoor people counters (4) easy to hide (small, long distance measurements), accurate, long
battery life, easy to read and process data
- Outdoor people/bicycle counters (1)
Secondary demands
- Outdoor people counters (2)
- Outdoor people/bicycle counters (1)
- Car counter (1)
- Camera (1)

5 outdoor digital people counter (A&P Chambers Ltd.):
- step pressure pad counters
- 2 radio beam people counters RBX7
2 outdoor game cameras: Reconyx Hyperfire HC600
Step counter
- Consists of two pressure pads (0.5x1m) that are connected by cable to a box containing
loggers and batteries all can be buried in the ground
- Data are stored in a logger and can be uploaded on site to a laptop via USB using special
software.
- Sensor: seismic sensor
Dimensions: Sensor: 1 metre x 0.5 metre (standard), control unit: 120 x 80 x 60 mm
Batteries: 2 x AA lithium (5 year life)
Records date, time, counts and direction of movement for download to PC
RadioBeam People Counter RBX7

- Consists of transmitter and receiver to be installed at approx 70 cm above ground directly
opposite each other
- Data are stored in a logger and can be uploaded on site to a laptop via USB using special
software
62
- Sensors: Radio transmitter
Track width: 6 metres maximum
Dimensions: Transmitter & receiver: 120 mm x 122 mm x 55 mm
Batteries: Receiver: 2 AA lithium >2 years operation, Transmitter: 2 AA lithium 1.5 years
operation
Records: date, time and counts for download to PC. Does not record direction of
movement.
Outdoor game camera: Reconyx Hyperfire HC600

- Small camouflaged digital camera, that can be mounted on a tree and that takes digital pictures
triggered by movement; Runs on 12 AA batteries, images are stored in SD memory card.
- Trigger Speed: 1/5th Second RapidFire Near-Video Speed Up to 2 frames per second
- Image Resolution: 1080P High Definition / 3.1 Mega-pixel
- Image Detail: Color Day / Monochrome Night
- Image Data: Time, Date, Temperature and Moon Phase
- Infrared Illumination: No-Glow High Output Covert IR
- Infrared Flash Range: Up to 50 Feet
- Battery Life: Up to 40,000 images
- Battery Quantity / Size: 12 AA
- Battery Requirements: NiMH Rechargeable or 1.5volt Lithium only
- Memory Card Type: Secure Digital (SD or SDHC)
- Memory Card Capacity: Up to 32GB (4GB = approx. 10,000 images)
- Operating Temperature Range: -20 to +120 Fahrenh eit
63
Location
emeri National Park:
- Nature trails (1 radio beam counter, 1 pressure pad)
- Bird watching tower (1 radio beam counter)
- Coastal forests used for recreation (2 pressure pads)
- Both game cameras are installed at all of these locations in turn
Utilization - general
- For counting visitors (two nature trails and a bird watching tower)
- For research on visitor impacts (trampling of coastal forests together with vegetation
monitoring an idea from discussions at partner meeting in Haapsalu)
Utilization - Cameras:
- Reconyx cameras are produced for counting game animals (a motion sensor triggers a photo
camera, works also in the dark).
- Will be used for
Calibrating the counters
Monitoring visitor behavior
Will be put up in cooperation with police
64
- Bought instead of wireless web cameras
Less electricity required (runs on AA batteries)
Easier to hide (install)
Do no require much space on server
Less time consuming to analyze the data

- All the equipment works well in winter conditions.
- Easier to install when building new infrastructure
- Radio beam counters are cheaper than step pressure pads but are more expensive to install
and harder to hide.
Practical use by staff and/or/ rangers / data readout

- Installation success of the equipment was tested with the staff members of the administration
resulting in conclusion that the equipment has been installed fully in line with the local
peculiarities (well hidden, almost impossible to notice, yet working properly) thus providing
basis for successful exploitation in the future.
- The installation of radio beam counters was more expensive as they had to be hidden above
ground and demanded special constructions.
Monitoring results
- Visitor monitoring equipment was installed during the last period of project which also coincided
with the end of the active tourism season in emeri National Park. So the most representative
results are expected to be produced outside the project lifetime.
- The full evaluation of investments will be possible in 5 years as they are meant for monitoring
purposes and therefore can be evaluated after their performance in a longer term has been
assessed.
- Insufficient information about visitor numbers in separate tourism objects of emeri National
Park. These data are necessary for planning and maintenance of tourism infrastructure in these
objects;
- Insufficient information on visitor flows in the whole territory of emeri National Park, distribution
of tourists in the territory and most popular spots. These data are essential for successful and
sustainable management of visitor flows;
- Lack of more detailed visitor information, e.g., most popular visiting times on day, week and
yearly basis. These data provide basis for effective development of tourism services
65
- Lack of information on carrying capacity. In one case, where the counters are installed in one
the most sensitive ecosystems of KNP coastal dunes, visitor counting is combined with
monitoring of negative impacts monitoring plot is set up nearby, thus allowing to keep trace on
the correlation between visitor numbers and soil surface conditions;
- Need for support in inspection work and calibrating process of the counters. Installation of the
cameras has already reduced those.
Final costs
Counters:
- Step pressure pad counters - 3650 EUR each
- Materials for installation of pressure pad counters (plastic boxes, plastic film) 25 EUR for all 3
counters
- 2 radio beam people counters RBX7 - 2160 EUR each
- Installation of both radio beam counters:
- Wooden poles - 568 EUR
- Plastic plates - 85 EUR
- Installation services -224 EUR
Cameras:
- 2 cameras Reconyx Hyperfire HC600, including batteries (626 EUR each)
- Memory cards and card reader for cameras 82 EUR
Date of realization
- from September 2011
66
Pictures
67
3.1.4 Region Zealand, Denmark
Status quo of visitor monitoring at Maribo Lakes Nature Park

- The number of visitors today is estimated to be quite low compared with most nature parks in
Germany, but the numbers could raise due to improved marketing and cooperation with businesses
- The park is working to become certified according to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism
which could create a new momentum for nature tourism within the park, and imply more visitors to
come. Furthermore the Fehmarn Belt Bridge will be build within the next ten years; this could also
increase numbers of German tourist on the island of Lolland.
- A first analysis has been made on where the vulnerable nature is in the park, and how it is possible
to plan for visitors using the park in a sustainable way (srbarhedsanalyse). This plan needs a
follow up with regard to monitoring where the visitors are going
- New knowledge provided by Roskilde University on carrying capacity should also be brought in to
the process. This knowledge relates also to plan for different user groups, so they do not disturb
each other.
- Visitor monitoring methods used in Nature Park Mariboserne are:
Counting passengers in the tour boat
Counting rental of bikes
One simple people counter installed at the nature school
Counting participants in guided tours
Evaluating the visitor books in bird watching towers etc (the total area that has to be covered
2
has a size of 50 km , but including a large number of lakes)

- General idea:
develop a system to monitor the flow of visitors on an annual basis within the park and to
estimate a total number of visitors
realise good examples for other parks to follow >> Maribo Lakes Nature Park will be the pioneer
in the region
investments might later be transferred to other locations in the region
- To be monitored:
1) Total number of visitor pr. Year
2) Seasonal variation in number of visitors
3) Variation during the 24-hour day cycle
4) Difference between different user groups
5) Variation between years
6) Variation between different parts of the park
- Numbers of visitors can be obtained from the following sources:
1) Visitor counters to be set up (one simple counter is in action), at least one should be able to
discern between hikers and cyclist
2) Visitor numbers obtained from nature guides relating to participants on guided tours
3) Number of cycles rented out, and participants on tour boat.
4) Number of visitors at the Open Museum, and the Historical Garden at Sholt
5) Number of people staying at hotel, B&B, ministry etc, in Maribo and next to the park.
68
- possible: to create an annual cycle with monitoring data fitting being used for adjusting the
management
- an annual report on visitor numbers will be made by the two municipalities who, in cooperation, are
responsible for the overall management of the park. It will then be the first time such system is set
up in Region Zealand, and probably also in Denmark. The Nature Park is supposed to act as a
demonstration site for visitor monitoring in nature parks. The system will be set up from August to
October 2010 (if the investment is approved by JTS), and a regional seminar on the subject of
visitor management will be held in November 2010.
Plan for visitor access

- Vulnerability
- Protecting rare or numerous species and habitats
- Areas with no access and areas with access only with guides
- Limited access during different seasons
- Access only at paths/sailing routes
- Areas with unlimited access
Needs / New methods

- Counting mobile phones in use and see exactly where people are moving
- Better and more people counters
- A more systematic approach
- Number of visitors from attractions and B&B, hotels, youth hostel, etc.

- 5 radio beam counters
- Unit Counters UC-01: a radio beam is broken when somebody passes on the trail, and then a
person is counted. The data is collected in a data logger.
Location
Naturpark Maribosoerne, at the following locations:
- The nature trail between the Nature School, and Maribo
- The entrance to the Barok Garden at Sholt Estate
- The handicap facilities at Srup, Rgblle S
- The cycle route through Storskoven (main route)
- The bird hide, at the pump station at Hejrede S
69
- It has fulfilled expectations. However one has been demolished. A new counter on own expenses
will replace it. Then it will be moved and more hidden.
Practical use by staff and/or/ rangers / data readout:
- This has worked with help from the supplier. It was not easy to begin with, but now it is working.
One problem was using the excel ark for collecting data, and another was to get the data
transferred from the data logger to a computer. One counter was also vandalised. It should have
been hidden better. A new counter not paid by the project has then been set in function.
Monitoring results:
- Number of people passing hot spots within the park (from 20.06.2011-31.12.2011)
Nature school at Maribo Snders minimum ( due to vandalism): 984
Visitors Baroque garden at Sholt: 2.231
Visitors at the prospect of Srup: 1.402
Passage through Sholt Great Forest: minimum 3.069 - maximum 6.138
Visitors to the bird hide at Hejrede: 3.905
It has helped to provide adequate information to calculate number of visitors within the park providing
basic information for estimating benefits by tourists from year to year.
Final costs
- 5 counters 60.500 dk.kr
- 1 cable 1.000 dk.kr
- 10 boxes, two for each counter 7.500 dk.kr
- Installation of counters 9.500 dk.kr
- Total cost 78.500 dk.kr in all: 10.523,92 Euro
Date of realization
The counters were installed on the 20 June 2011
70
Pictures
Picture from the nature trail (counter is placed in the two boxes)
71
3.2 Accessibility for all
3.2.1 Maribo Lakes Nature Park
Type of investment 1
- Parking and rest area with a viewpoint suitable for wheelchair users being the only spot in the
nature park, where wheel chair users can get close to the lake.
Preparational Work
- Exemption from the Nature Conservation Act
- Permission from conservation authorities
- Special coating on gravel parking area, suitable for wheelchairs and heavy cars
- Path, ramp and platform for wheelchair users
- Bench, waste basket and toilet suitable for wheelchair users
- Signposts and pictograms
Location
- at Rgblle Lake south (close to Srup)
- at Pumpestationen - a handicap toilet (other facilities here will be applied for later)
- at 12 spots in the park area - signposts for the tables
Access provide to
Lake offering a wild nature experience
Target group
Physically and mentally disabled persons, persons with hearing impairment, persons with visual
impairment

Technical performance
- Not yet tested as the area was finished in this winter, but there has been spontaneous feedback
from visitors, reported to the rangers, that people really appreciate the new facilities.
Practical use by target group
- Not yet tested as the area was finished in this winter
72
Maintenance
Monitoring results
- Between 20.6. 31.12.2011: 1.402 persons have been counted here (radio beam counter)
The general problem in our park, that we miss facilities for disables, especially wheelchair users. It is
also solving the problem that it is very difficult to get close to the lakeshore in most places
Final costs
st
1 work on the spot
digging out and placing gravel, making the 11.797,51
parking facilities
pictograms 327,11
Fence posts for fencing of the area 337,84
Finishing the area with path, ramp, platform and 12.132,95

toilet
Bench / table 1883,16
Waste bin 699,46
Big signpost frame 1.109,72
Fence/shed for the toilet 4035,35
Toilet for Pumpestationen 6.725,58
Information sign 1385,47
12 information signs for tables in the park 1827,63
Sign for big wooden sign frame 1857,28
Translation of text for signs at Rgblle 973,33
Website text in English and German 1748.65
Date of realisation
Spring 2011 - January 2012
73
Pictures
Picnic area with bench and garbage bin - The gravel consists of two layers of special gravel, suitable for
wheelchairs and heavy cars
Ramp and Platform
74
Platform at the lake shore
The area with bench, garbage bin, signs and toilet
75
Path and the counting device
Reference to guidelines and regulations

http://www.godadgang.dk/gb/main.asp
76
Handicap toilet and rest area with a viewpoint suitable for wheelchair users at the nature school
- New tiling from the parking space for disabled toilet and viewing platform suitable for
wheelchairs
- Toilet for disabled persons in the nature school building
- Bench and table, grill and basket suitable for wheelchair users
- Signposts and pictograms
Location
- Snders Lake at the Nature School
- Signpost at the Nature School and at the City Maribo

- Not yet tested as the area was finished in this winter, but there has been spontaneous feedback
from visitors, reported to the rangers, that people really appreciate the new facilities
Maintenance
Monitoring results
- Visitor at the Nature School 994 in 2011 and 1847 overnight
The general problem in the park area is that facilities for disabled, especially for wheelchair users, are
not available. It is also solving the problem, that it is very difficult to get close to the lakeshore in most
places,
Final costs
Signs at Maribo City 1496,52 Euro
Handicap facilities at the nature school 21071,49 Euro
Sign at the nature school 1452,77 Euro
Flyer: design + print 770,08 Euro
Total 24790,86 Euro
77
Date of realisation
Spring 2011 January 2012
Pictures
View platform for disable people at the nature school
Grill and basket suitable for wheelchair users
Toilet for disable people
78
3.2.2 Kurtuvenai Regional Park, Lithuania
Type of investment:
Wooden path for disabled people (for wheelchairs)
There is a nature cognitive trail around the Juodle Lake. One part of this trail was a wooden path
leading through the wet forest towards the marsh incl. an observation deck at the end. This path was
ramshackle and inappropriate for people with reduced mobility.
The new wooden path is built in the same place, after the old path is removed. The path is 150 m long
and 1,2 m wide. Two resting place have been integrated - 2 m long and 1,5 m wide with benches. The
path ends with a ramp (9 m long) leading to the observation deck (0,75 m height). The whole path is
made of oak and asp, not impregnated and not coated with antiseptics.
Location
Juodl Lake nature cognitive trail in Kelm municipality
Access provided to
- Wooden path leads along to swamp
- Bridge for crossing rivulet
Target group
Elderly people and people with movement (walking) trouble, young families with babies

The path is not impregnated and not coated with antiseptics to avoid negative impact on sensitive flora
of marsh. Timber of asp is one of the most suitable timbers for constructions in the water; oak is too
expensive). Oak was used only there, where strong constructions were needed.
As the path was finished in winter time, we can not monitor practical use by target group.
Disabled persons can now be invited to the Parks riding centre. Furthermore there were no places in
the regional park adapted to needs of people with reduced mobility.
Juodl Lake nature cognitive path is one of the famous places of park visited by excursions, families
and individual visitors. The packet soil of pine forests is appropriate for wheelchairs, but there was a
need to adapt the path through the wet forest towards the marsh. Now this cognitive path will be the first
place in the regional park, where people with reduced mobility can spend leisure and observe the
natural environment.
79
Photos and technical facts from similar best-practice examples:
Final costs
Nature cognitive path LTL Euro
project 9210 2667,4
dismantling of old path 3934,13 1139,403
wooden path, benches for rest 37111,28 10748,17
ramp and observation deck 13023,06 3771,739
Total 63278,47 18326,71
80
Date of realisation The agreement with the construction company was signed on 10 August 2011. The
work started in September 2011; the biggest part was done till December 2011 and the last acceptance
was signed on 23 January 2012.
Pictures
Wooden path through forest towards marsh Debarked asp without antiseptics
Rest places near path Ramp and observation deck to marsh

In Lithuania there are only requirements for building in living area, but there are no guidelines for
equipment for disabled in nature. www.aplinkavisiems.lt (environment for all)
81
Ramp (fenced square and arbour) for persons with reduced mobility
The ramp is installed in a square near the Horse Riding Centre exploiting the natural slope. The poles of
the ramp, which are dug into the ground, are made of edged oak timber; floors and railings are made of
conifers. All wood is treated antiseptically and oiled.
The riding square is fenced by a 310 m long and 1 meter high fence, which is made of vacuum
impregnation softwood. Adjacent to the square the arbour (shed) is mounted. The wooden construction
of arbour is a gift of sponsorship; however, it needed foundations and a roof. Drilled foundations are
installed for the arbour concrete; the roof is covered with traditional shingles of asp. The walls of the
arbour are covered with clear plastic coating.
Location
The square with the ramp is mounted near the Horse Riding Centre in Kurtuvnai, in iauliai
municipality.
Access provided
It helps disabled people to get on horses.
Target group
People (children) with reduced mobility

In winter time there were not many users of the ramp, but the numbers are expected the rise in spring.
The height (80 cm), width (140X200) and slope of ramp were appropriate. The space for the horse (at
the ramp between floor and railings) is appropriate, but it is too small for riders. So, changes had to be
made which basically means that the gap in the ramp for horse was widen from 90 till 120 cm.
The Riding for Disabled Association located at the Horse Riding Centre organizes riding therapy for
children and adults with reduced mobility. They offer regular activities and sometimes families with
disabled children come here themselves. It was a problem to mount riders on a horse. Now this ramp
allows persons sitting in wheelchairs to get to the horse more easily. From the ramp they can sit on a
horse themselves, with minimum of help. The fence allows a good sense of security. Furthermore, the
arbour will provide a place for rest and shade.
82
Final costs
LTL Euro
ramp 5421,59 1570,20
fence 14346,33 4154,98
arbour 13632,01 3948,10
Total 33399,93 9673,29
Date of realisation
The agreement with the construction company was signed on 10 August 2011. The work started in
September 2011; the biggest part was done till December 2011 and the last acceptance was signed 23
January 2012.
Pictures
Fenced square Ramp and arbour near the Horse Riding Centre
Arbour for rest Ramp with wide space for horse and riders

In Lithuania there are only requirements for building in living area, but there are no guidelines for
equipment for disabled in nature. www.aplinkavisiems.lt (environment for all)
83
Type of investment
Reconstruction of Seire nature cognitive path making it accessible for disabled people
- 15 information stands
- One informational site for environmental understanding through hearing
- One informational site for environmental understanding through touch
- One informational site for environmental understanding through motion
- outdoor furniture suitable for disabled -15 units
All infrastructures are made of natural wood.
Location
- emaitija National Park, Seire landscape reserve
- Seire nature cognitive path is a most popular 4,1 km length nature path in the national park
area where visitors can discover 4 different ecosystems (forest, transitional mires, meadows,
water)
- Path will be integrated to bicycle path around the lake
Access provided to
It is planned to provide access for all visitors to the National Park area incl. for persons with reduced
mobility.
Target group
All visitors and local people

- Infrastructure was projected and created by companies where more than 50% of the staff is
disabled. Therefore all items meet the requirements for disabled persons. All infrastructures are
made from natural materials (wood and iron). On the informational stands basic information
about Zemaitija National Park is included.
- In Lithuanian protected areas only few nature paths are adopted for disabled people. They are
the main target group for this nature path.
84
Maintenance
- The maintenance will be done by staff of Zemaitija NP
Monitoring results
- The infrastructure was installed in December 2011. The data for monitoring will be gathered by
the visitor counters and analyzed by the staff of Zemaitija NP in spring 2012. The data for
monitoring will be collected and analyzed regularly every 6 months.
Zemaitija National Park will have a nature path which will be adopted for the needs of disabled people.
This nature trail will be the most innovative path in Zemaitija National Park and will raise the quality of
public services.
Final costs
- 29 713, 81 EUR. The price includes new information stands, playgrounds, directions and other
infrastructure (according to reconstruction project) and the installation of it.
Date of realisation
- September 2011 January 2012
- The investments was delayed because of the lack of finances and the delayed preparation of
technical documentation for construction's
Pictures
85
3.2.4 Dovrefjell National Park, Norway
Type of investment
Viewpoint and visitor attraction near mount Snhetta
The visitor attraction contains of:

1. Parking place with toilet facilities
2. Entrance gate with information boards
3. A trail usable for wheel chairs, 1500 meters
4. The history about the area graved into 16 slates stones, laid in the trail.
5. The view point which also represents an architectural attraction
6. One toilet near the viewpoint
7. Two visitor counters
8. A looped walk
Location
Dovrefjell National Park Area, Hjerkinn, Norway
Access provided to
The tests have shown that both electric indoor and outdoor wheelchairs van easily come up to the
observation post. Therefore the plan is to produce slate stones aside the path with inscription with
carved capital characters.
Target group
Visually impaired people

It functioned very well. The use of one nature guide which guided at the facility from June 20 to
august 15 got a lot of very positive feedback from the visitors. The visitor counters do not
manage to count correctly when more than 2 visitors are passing at the same time. Up to 25 %
wrong. We have to calculate with that

There were no practical problems, but after test benches for people with crutches were placed
along the trail up to the view point
86
Maintenance
The use of the sanitary facilities demands extra efforts. Both in terms of cleaning more than
once a day and change of gravel outside: especially on rainy days the gravel comes on the floor
and the facility fast looks dirty. So there are taken additional measures to reduce that
Monitoring results
In the first summer season there were counted 9000 visitors, but adjusting for the counting
difference : approx. 11-12.000
What problem does it solve?

It provides accessibility for disabled to come into special nature in an easy way. The facility brings
people who usually do not go into the park in contact with great nature
Final costs (detailed list)

View point 800.000
Toilet facilities 80.000
Trail incl inscription 120.000
Total sum 1.000.000
Date of realisation
From August 20010 June 2011
Pictures
Information boards with the history of the wild reindeer in the area
87
Visitor counter Looped walk 2,5 km
Credit: diephotodesogn.de
Visitor center (inside)
88
3.3 ICT-based visitor guidance / GPS systems
3.3.1 Mritz National Park, Germany
Type of investment / application

- GPS Guide for visitor information and guidance, which fulfils the following goals:
- Multi media located information in a GPS-Guide to attract technical interested and especially
younger visitor groups
- Preparation of text, picture and audio data, which arent technically presentable on the National
Park Information boards.
- Placement of foreign information, preferably in English.
- Audio function especially for blind visitors.
Best-practice examples
Datamaris Tour Navigator (http://www.datamaris.de/index.php?id=tournavigator)
Technical description of solution realized

Functional requirements:
- Display of topographical maps, schematic plans, aerial photographs etc. with the active position of
the user. Zoom function and map scrolling. Centering on the active user position. Automatically
scrolling of the map section with user position change.
- Options of hiking or cycling routes due to length and short description. Display of the chosen route
on the map with position, distance and required time.
- Display of interested points (POI) on the map, display of information texts, pictures, video and audio
documents, as far as the user approaches to a POI on his chosen route.
- Menu with POI and route search.
- Quiz function: Multiple choice questions with score display.
89
Hardware requirements:
- 8 handheld GPS - System consoles as wireless PDAs with:
operation system: Windows Mobile 5.0 or better
- Processor capacity min. 400 Mhz
- Data storage min. 128 MB ROM, 64 MB RAM
- Integrated changeable and high-capacity LI ion battery (min. 1200 mAh) with charger
- 12-channel GPS-receiver with integrated antenna, WAAS compliant, SiRF III, (accuracy min. 2-5 m)
- Display size min. 3,5, resolution min. 240x320
- Plug-in for external speakers or headphones
Software requirements:
- 10 single licences per PDA
- Internet data supply for visitors, who have own internet- and GPS-optional mobile phones
- Preparation of a Content Management System for data hosting and upgrading by the National Park
authority
Services:
- Preparation of a introducing menu
- Multi language realisation (menu, display) and implementation of the English version
- Audio realisation for all menus
- Data preparation for 30 POI and 7 routes with 52 km total length
- Viewer supply for Internet contents
- Instruction of the responsible employees of the National Park authority
Warranty:
- 2 years up to date of technical approval
Location
The introduction of the GPS-based visitor information and guidance system is located at the eastern
shore of Lake Mritz between the villages Federow and Boek. The rental of the equipment is possible at
the seasonal opened National Park Information offices in Boek and Schwarzenhof. It includes 30 POI
locations, 1 cycle path and 5 hiking trails
90
- Lendings per day: 0,7
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Schwarzenhof Boek gesamt
- Gender (n=23)
Blue: men I Red: women
- Age
14
12
10
Below 25 yrs 26 - 40 yrs 41 - 55 yrs Above 55 yrs
91
- Education
16
14
12
10
University Vocational Vocational other

school training
- User groups
14
12
10
0
alleine
alone Paar
couple Familie
family Gruppe
group
- Lending time
8
0
Blow 2 23 34 45 Above 5
hours hours hours hours hours
92
- Satisfaction
Handling Content Size of Scope of

area information
- Satisfaction (further comments)

More exact navigation needed (5)
Display too small, contrast too low (2)
More issues on animals and plats (2)
Demand for a bigger map section or route overview (3)
lacks in quiz function, already fixed (2)
Guide for children (1)
Various praises (9)
- Raise attention for visitors with technical affinities, i.e. young people
- Improvement of orientation for external visitors in a widespread area
- Beneath the existing information boards, distribution of additional and better information offers
- Distribution of information in a foreign language (English)
- Adapt a version for blind users (Audio guide function)
93
Final costs
Specification creditor Sum incl. taxes
Map implementation Datamaris 1.142,40
Concept tracks for blind users Datamaris 1.475,60
Data implementation tracks Datamaris 464,10
blind users
Content management, tracking Datamaris 6.140,40
GPS-Tools, licences Datamaris 5.521,60
Menu documention, language Datamaris 3.409,35
implemetation
Data distribution internet Datamaris 856,80
Staff traing GPS-Guide Datamaris 285,60
Internet views, audion data Datamaris 3.224,90
integration
Data update Datamaris 2.100,35
Concept and design flyers Datamaris 963,90
Soundball speakers Conrad electronics 125,64
Costs in total (- 31.07.2011): 25.810,64
Date of realisation
- First project ideas: Summer 2008
- Duration of investment: November 2010 June 2011
Outlook 2012
- New lending location in Federow (ca. 60.000 visitors / year)
- Additional routing overview
- Extension of the content and the area
- Idea: Implementation of National Park ticket timetable
94
Pictures
95
3.3.2 Region Zealand, Denmark

- GPS, 13 devices
Technical description (incl. number of POIs included and languages realised)

- Garmin, Etrex 20m/OSM - a GPS equipment providing the possibility to download information on
hiking and cycling routes, and areas of special interest, etc.
Location
The GPS devices are used within the Nature Park Mariboserne. The can be lent by groups of visitors,
i.e. groups staying at the nature school. The school is rented by adult groups for visits to the nature
park.

Technical performance: Good
Practical use by staff/ rangers*:
- Groups can burrow the equipment, and find their own way around in the park, and gather
information by using the GPS, and also finding trails.
Logistics
- The GPS is placed at the Nature School, because it is the main point for activities, and storing
equipment. The equipment can be lent by contact to ranger Uffe Nielsen, who is in charge of the
Nature School. Information about this can also be found on naturparkmaribo.dk.
Media impact
- It corresponds to the webpage: www.naturparkmaribo.dk where all the information can be found.
Number of users
- It is new, because we also needed to have enough information to be accessible by the users. There
have been a few groups at the Nature School during December, and January. They have been
informed about the possibilities using the GPSs
- More easy access to information about the park for visitors. Possibility for self-guided tours.
Final costs
- 14,029,60 dk.kr respective 1.886,28 Euro (purchase of devices)
Date of realisation
- December 2011. The late realisation was due to, we needed enough data on the corresponding
webpage, before it could create interest by users.
96
Pictures
97

Creation of POI's (points of interest) of Zemaitija National Park
Best-practice examples
http://www.neste.lt/artikkeli.asp?path=1993;3801;3802;5771;5958
Technical description of solution realized

The POI's created can be downloaded from the platform www.maps.lt which is most popular maps site
in Lithuania with more than 70.000 daily visits. On the platform an add-on was created where specialists
of Zemaitija National Park can always update and upload any information about the national park. The
POI's can be accessed from all computers and smart phones helping the visitors to plan their tourism
routes and trip details.
Location
Webpage: http://www.zemaitijosnp.lt/en/maps/ . 207 POI's have been added to the webpage:
- Countryside farms, hotels and campsites
- Museums
- Natural and cultural heritage objects
- Shop and information points
- Nature paths
- Visitor centre
- Bicycle rental offices and
- Cafs
98
In cooperation with UAB Hnit Baltic and Baltic environment forum it was provided the possibility to
add all POI's of Zemaitija National Park including points and lines on the platform www.maps.lt to be
able to update all information easily. The users of smart phones can access a webpage and use POI for
all kind of smart phones.

- POI's that were created are uploaded to the server of www.maps.lt and constantly updated by the
staff of Zemaitija NP
Practical use by staff/ rangers:
- POIs can be easily updated by the staff.
Logistics:
- No problems so far. All information is uploaded to the servers.
Media impact:
- The POI's assist to provide all information about places of interest in Zemaitija National Park
Number of users: About 30 000 user per year
- Visitors can get all information about POI's from the internet or using smart phones.
- They don't need to have printed maps anymore
- All information about visitor attractions and tourism service providers are constantly updated
- The quality of visitor services will be improved.
Final costs
In Lithuania there are no official bodies available who could develop the requested POI's for the GPS
navigators. The UAB HNIT Baltic provided this services for free. All POI's can be used by all devices
which have internet connection. The real value of the product in the market is about 50 000 Euros. The
UAB HNIT Baltic supports new ideas in nature protection field. The product can later be offered for
private bodies. The company keeps the rights of this service.
Date of realisation
January 2010 January 2012
99
Pictures
100
101

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Master guide on innovative visitor management

solutions within protected areas

2.2 Accessibility for all _________________________________________________ 11

2.3 ICT-based visitor guidance solutions / GPS systems _____________________ 42

3.2 Accessibility for all _________________________________________________ 72

3.3 ICT-based visitor guidance / GPS systems _____________________________ 89

Practical Visitor Monitoring instruments are i.e. the following:

Visitor monitoring in protected areas

Innovative visitor management & guidance system accessibility for all

ICT solutions & GPS systems visitor management in natural landscape

Purpose of data gathering through visitor monitoring

Demands on visitor monitoring methods/ improving visitor monitoring

2.1.2.1 Chambers Electronics - Different Solutions on Visitor Monitoring (People / Bike)

Transmitter Receiver Receiver

Transmitter Receiver external bike antenna

People People / Bikes People / Bikes Bikes Bikes Bikes

x = yes * = yes with option = not specified

Sources: http://www.eco-counter.com/Summary.html?wpid=25144; /http://www.eco-counter.com/Summary.html?wpid=25143

2.2.2 Users needs and demands on barrier-free solutions in nature areas

2.2.2.3 Reduced mobility, arm or hand impairment

There are two overall groups of people with reduced mobility:

People with reduced mobility need:

2.2.2.4 Visual impairment

- A simple, logical layout of indoor and outdoor environments.

2.2.2.5 Hearing impairment

There are three categories of people with hearing impairment:

- Good visual orientation.

- Devices that can be operated without great muscle strength.

2.2.2.6 Asthma and allergy

- An appropriate choice of building materials.

People with a learning disability need:

2.2.2.8 Reading difficulties

- Audio versions of text material: audio guides, CD-ROMs, CDs, etc.

Accessibility in outdoor areas and nature environment in general

Common needs and demands on barrier-free solutions:

Infrastructure to get to the Infrastructure to move Attractions and activities

Resting places Accessibility by transport with

A) Accessibility check Questions Best practice examples

Barrier-free access to park entrance & first orientation

Orientation and guidance e.g. Pomo Bluffs Park / Canada

e.g.: Using public transport by ramp solution / South Africa

Booked services - Notice of passengers requirements

Revision of timetables and other information

e.g.: Bus ride in California / USA

Questions on beaches / water access: Accessibility to the water / boats

i.e.: "Mersey River Chalets" /

e.g.: Hydraulic lift to access a fishing boat e.g.: Ramp system

Accessibility check Questions & Standards Best practice examples

Trail design prerequisites

Source: BT Countryside for all

Water bound trails

Wooden plank trail

Metal grid trail

e.g. Fort Bragg Hole / Canada

e.g. Van Damme State Park Beach and

e.g.: Integrative guidance and information system

Extra questions on playgrounds:

Extra questions on shelters:

Extra questions on barbecue areas:

Is the BBQ area connected with an accessible path or road?

Is the operating height of the grill 75-80 cm?

e.g.: Bloomer Park Rochester Hill / USA

Accessibility check Questions & Standards Best practice examples

Is the main information given in Braille?