Sport NZ Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library: New Zealand-based sport and recreation research

Visitor counters in parks: management practice for counter calibration (Technical Series 33) Research Completed

Title

Visitor counters in parks: management practice for counter calibration (Technical Series 33)

Lead Author

Ross, J.

Organisation(s)

Department of Conservation

Publication Year

2005

Publisher

Department of Conservation

Contacts

DOC Science & Technical Publishing: science.publications@doc.govt.nz

Abstract

There are numerous reasons why visitor counting instruments systematically under- or over-count. ‘Calibration’ involves adjusting counters so that they reflect estimates of numbers of visits. This review identified effective methods for calibration of pedestrian and vehicle counting instruments in a countryside recreation environment, and made various recommendations. Counters should be tested before being taken into the field, immediately after installation and before each calibration exercise. Counter data should be stored and processed centrally, and validated. Counter calibration should be compulsory, repeated regularly and applied before data analysis or reporting. Calibration should be effected with agreed, standard fields of information and clear distinctions must be made between the number of ‘visits’ being measured by a counter and the total number of ‘visitors’. Visitor surveys can supplement counter data, to allow data interpretation and extrapolation. The Department of Conservation, New Zealand, will use this information as a guide to develop Standard Operating Procedures for counter calibration.

Keywords:

Visitor surveys, Counters, Calibration, Data management, Validation, Department of Conservation, New Zealand, Outdoors, Parks, Walks, Tracks, Walk, Tramp, National parks

How to access

Areas of Focus

Settings (location)

Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)

National Parks

Topics

Capability, Participation, Planning, Tourism