Recreational Camp Site Selection in Golestan National Park by Using MCDM Technique Combined with GIS

Camping, their related environmental problem and heavy costs of managing them, are main problems that in every country are faced with. The only solution to these problems is a proper managing system. Which is based on engineering principals and comprises planning, social and economical parameters. One of the most important steps in this procedure is to select a suitable site for camping. Otherwise irreversible damages would affect the natural resources of the region. Golestan National Park, regarding its unique geographical situation, biodiversity and eco-touristic attractions, has a high potential for camping. This study has been conducted based on extensive research and field survey. The aim of this study is analyzing the criteria and selecting the most important one, through 3 criteria and 3 sites, using MCDM technique combined with GIS. The criteria used in this study are local landscapes and facilities, the distance from conservation main core, and the distance from gardens and agricultural land. Regarding these, the best criteria, and the most suitable site which showed a medium potential were selected as the most proper site for camping. The results show that camping the MCDM technique by AHP method has a great potential in camping site selection.