英文摘要 |
For many years, both researchers and recreational outdoor recreation managers have been concerned with carrying capacity. This study investigates the relationship between crowding perception and the number of visitors on a hiking trail using the visual approach. The study area was the hiking trail in Erzihping Recreation Area at the Yangmingshan National Park. A total of 148 photographs with different numbers of visitors in the foreground, middle ground, and background, and direction of movement were simulated. A visitor survey was conducted on-site and visitors were asked to evaluate their perceptions of crowding in the photographs on a scale from -4 (not crowded at all) to +4 (very crowded). The results showed that the number of visitors on the trail significantly and positively influenced crowding perception. The positions of visitors on the trail also significantly influenced crowding perception-the closer the visitors are positioned in the photograph, the higher the crowding perceived. However, the direction of movement was not found to have a significant influence on crowding perception. It was also found that more crowding was perceived for visitors with the purpose of enjoying the natural scenery, first time visitors, and visitors who had a higher visiting frequency. |