USER NEEDS FOR LOCATION-BASED SERVICES IN PROTECTED AREAS: CASE STUDY SWISS NATIONAL PARK

摘要

The Swiss National Park (SNP, Switzerland, Central Alps) is the main test area for the EU project WebPark (IST-2000 31041). One of its aims is to specify and evaluate the information needs of visitors to recreational and protected areas and to provide this information in the field to mobile Internet platforms. As one approach, a mail survey was conducted from December 2001 to January 2002. The results received through 1597 completed questionnaires concern user needs for location-based services (LBS), former and actual use of digital media, and former information behavior of visitors. Safety information is of key importance. Wildlife information is highly demanded. The provision of information has to be done quietly and only on request. In general, the user wishes to maintain control over information content, delivery (pull/push, visible/audible), and personal privacy and security.