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Evaluation of Geotouristic Station Suitability Using GIS-Based Multi-criteria Decision Analysis: a Case Study of the M’Goun UNESCO Geopark, High Atlas (Morocco)

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Abstract

This study is part of a reflection process that aims to define and evaluate the most suitable places for the establishment of geotourism stations in M’Goun UNESCO Geopark. It uses a combined approach of multi-criteria decision-making systems, notably, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method and the geographic information systems (GIS). This approach has been proven to be reliable in the evaluation of a large number of decision parameters and measures the influence of each one during decision-making. For this purpose, three evaluation parameters were used: natural parameters (slope, land use, aspect, and density of drainage), landscape parameters (geodiversity, visibility of geosites, accessibility, and proximity of geosites), and safety parameters (fire hazards and proximity to a locality). The main cartographic output of this study is a general synthesis map, generated following a decision-making process that includes the calculation of the criteria weight according to the AHP method and the integration of their weights into a GIS for aggregation. This synthesis map is a very valuable source for local authorities and services in charge of planning and management of the territory and for the development of geotourism activity in the M’Goun UNESCO Geopark.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the anonymous reviewers who provided valuable comments and critiques for improving the quality of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, EGGPG, ChouaïbDoukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco

    Aymane Elkaichi & Ezzoura Errami

  2. GOT, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Safi, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

    Ezzoura Errami

  3. Department of Remote Sensing, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

    Nilanchal Patel

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  1. Aymane Elkaichi
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  2. Ezzoura Errami
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Correspondence to Aymane Elkaichi.

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Elkaichi, A., Errami, E. & Patel, N. Evaluation of Geotouristic Station Suitability Using GIS-Based Multi-criteria Decision Analysis: a Case Study of the M’Goun UNESCO Geopark, High Atlas (Morocco). Geoheritage 15, 36 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-023-00801-4

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