Geographic Information System for Managing Natural and Historical Tourism in Sara Buri Province

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) create a database of natural and historical tourist attractions and (2) determine optimal travel routes in Saraburi Province. Location data were collected using the Global Positioning System (GPS), and the database was developed with ArcGIS Version 10.5. The Network Analysis tool was employed to identify optimal the travel routes to the selected attractions. The resulting database consists of spatial data showing geographic locations and attribute data providing descriptions and images of each site. A total of five travel routes were identified, comprising two natural and three historical routes: Natural Tourist Routes: No.1 “Embrace Nature” – 82 kilometers, 8 hours 25 minutes No.2 “Trekking, Camping, and Stargazing” – 65 kilometers, 43 minutes Historical Tourist Routes: 1) “Pay Respect, Make Merit, and Retrace History” – 65 kilometers, 5 hours 13 minutes 2) “Enjoy Souvenir Shopping in Sao Hai District” – 6.5 kilometers, 5 hours 4 minutes 3) “Visit Temples and Pay Respect to the Buddha’s Footprint” – 132 kilometers, 8 hours 18 minutes. This study emphasizes the effectiveness of Geographic Information System (GIS), particularly through Network Analysis, in supporting efficient travel planning and promoting sustainable tourism development in Sara Buri Province.