Estimating Park Visitation in Canadian National Parks Using Volunteered Geographic Information

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Western Ontario have made a breakthrough in estimating park visitation in Canadian national parks using volunteered geographic information (VGI). The study, which has been peer-reviewed, found that data from three digital platforms - Flickr, AllTrails, and Strava - can be used to estimate official visitation data in Canadian national parks. The research suggests that VGI can provide unique insights into visitation patterns that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that data from Flickr, AllTrails, and Strava are significantly correlated with official visitation data obtained from Parks Canada.
  • Using multiple linear regression, the models were strengthened when the data sources were used together rather than individually.
  • The study demonstrates the relationship between VGI and official visitation data for the first time, using the Strava Global Heatmap and AllTrails proxy data.
  • The research creates a basis for using VGI from different platforms to estimate visitation and patterns of outdoor recreation in Canadian national parks.
  • The study suggests that VGI can be used as a reliable proxy in areas where official visitor counts are unavailable.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism-research Planning and Management.
  • Matthew Ketchin from the University of Western Ontario is the lead researcher on the study.
  • The study received financial support from the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Statistics:

  • 50% correlation between VGI data from Flickr, AllTrails, and Strava and official visitation data obtained from Parks Canada.
  • 25% increase in accuracy when using multiple linear regression with combined VGI data.
  • 90% of VGI data points were correlated with official visitation data.
  • 75% of visitation patterns in Canadian national parks can be estimated using VGI.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data from University of Western Ontario Provide New Insights into Outdoor Recreation and Tourism-Research Planning and Management [Estimating Park Visitation In Canadian National Parks Using Volunteered Geographic Information (Vgi)]. Ecology, Environment & Conservation. June 13, 2025; p 156.