Monitoring MPA visitor uses handbook

5.3 Road and path use indicator5.3.1 RelevanceÉvaluation des flux de fréquentation piétonne, cyclisteet motoriséeThis indicator determines the characteristics of visitorflows in the MPA's land-based parts by providing :• quantitative information (numbers on roads and lanes);• qualitative information (means used to get around andidentification of "multi-use" roads),• data concerning the spatio-temporal distribution ofvisitors (points of traffic congestion, seasonal and dailyvariations, peak hours, etc.).5.3.2 Relevant MPA typesContinentor islandContinentor islandManual read of an eco-counter on Porquerolles Island (Port-Cros National Park,France). © Credit: LETG Brest-GéomerCase 1 : Visitor count on a single roadMPAMPAVisitor flowSpotter5.3.3 Framework protocolsa/ Automatic count system readingAutomatic counters should be preferred, particularly formonitoring purposes, as they provide information continuouslyover the year and require few human resources.Data collected : Numbers passing per hour, day ormonth detected by an automatic counter (acoustic slabsensor buried beneath a path or pyro-electric sensorfor walkers, magnetic loops for cyclists and vehicles onroads). With certain types of counter, the different directionof flows can be detected. This option can be usedto record entries to a site but is not necessary to assesstraffic on a road or lane.Case 2 : Visitor count at a crossroadsSpotter 1counts flowson roads 1 and 2Bottleneckin the roadROAD 2Collection method : Data reading in situ using ahandheld terminal or opt for a GSM or satellite readingsystem on a very large site for example.Location : The counter installation plan (number, typeand location) requires a prior study, and the objectivesof the count must be very clearly defined. The numberof counters should be based on the site configurationand on resources available for maintenance. Countersshould preferably be installed on "typical" roads andlanes, representative of the MPA's land-based part.ROAD 1ROAD 4ROAD 3Spotter 2counts flowson roads 3 and 4Figure 8 : Spotter location for visitor counts on land.Frequency : Manual data reading should be done atleast once a month in the high season and once a quarterin the low season. In the case of automatic data reading,equipment must still be monitored. TABLE OF CONTENTS 21 COLLECTION VISITOR USE OBSERVATION AND MONITORING IN MEDITERRANEAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS