Criteria for Model

The creation of a Geographic Information System model to analyze areas of tourism potential
on the crown lands of the Annapolis Valley requires careful study, preparation, and the gathering and
integration of a wide diversity of data sets. Through research into tourism potential modelling,, there
have been several data sets of information identified that are necessary for this type of application.
The data needed for the model is dependent on the tourism activity to be modeled. Data needed to
create a tourism potential model for sea kayaking (boat launches, marinas) will be vastly different
than for a hiking trail model that would need roads and existing trails. Before the client can proceed
with the development of a GIS model they must clearly outline the specific tourism activities they
wish to model as this will affect what data is required. The data sets that have been repeatedly
mentioned by other researchers are: slope, topographic, hydrology, Integrated Resource Management
data from DNR which is important for N.S. modelling, vegetation, wilderness habitat data (moose
habitats, etc), tourist survey results that form the model basis and communicate tourist aesthetic
preferences, operator location and use area data, canoe routes, and hiking trail data, biogeoclimatic
data, digitized park management plans as in the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum model 1: 250, 000
national topographic map sheets, and specially derived data from base maps like viewsheds and
soundsheds. Data is not the only requirement for modelling. There is also a technical or software
component. This data will vary for each model and it should be remembered that a good predictive
model encompasses extensive stakeholder consultation, surveying, data, assumptions, and refinement.
Their data must not be taken for granted as being totally accurate. The creators of the data should be
contacted as to the scale, age, problems with the data, and its usefulness for modelling a purpose it
likely was not created for.