10.57647/j.gcr.2025.0802.13

Modelling the natural Geotourism Potential of North Sepidan County Using a Multi-Criteria Approach and Kriging-Based GIS Approach

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  • Atefeh Nimroozi*1,
  1. Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration Survey of South Iran, Nasr Blvd., Shiraz, Iran
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Received: 2025-07-07

Revised: 2025-08-09

Accepted: 2025-11-29

Published in Issue 2025-12-31

Published Online: 2025-11-10

Copyright (c) -1 Atefeh Nimroozi (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Nimroozi, A. (2025). Modelling the natural Geotourism Potential of North Sepidan County Using a Multi-Criteria Approach and Kriging-Based GIS Approach. Geoconservation Research, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.57647/j.gcr.2025.0802.13
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Abstract

plays a vital role in preserving geological heritage while fostering local economic development, particularly in mountainous regions. Sepidan County in Fars Province, southern Iran, is a promising destination for county-level geotourism for its diverse geological structures, geomorphological features, and distinctive natural phenomena. We applied three assessment models within the MCDM framework—GAM, AHP, and CoBaLiKoA –to identify and prioritize sites for sustainable development. Results consistently ranked Margoon Waterfall, Barm Firuz Lake, Sheshpir Lake, and the Chellegah karst zone as the top geosites in terms of scientific value, aesthetic appeal, accessibility, and conservation potential. Spatial interpolation using Kriging in ArcGIS revealed that the highest intensities of geotourism potential are concentrated in the northern and northwestern sectors of Sepidan, particularly in areas surrounding lakes, springs, and karst landscapes. The findings highlight the need for participatory planning, sustainable infrastructure development, and geoheritage conservation. By integrating MCDM techniques with geostatistical Kriging in a GIS-based framework, this study addresses a significant gap in comprehensive geotourism assessments and provides a precise and practical strategy for sustainable county-level geotourism development in Sepidan. The interdisciplinary methodology, combining spatial analysis, multi-criteria evaluation, and community engagement, not only distinguishes this study from previous research but also offers a replicable framework for geotourism planning in other mountainous regions of Iran.

Keywords

  • Geotourism,
  • Tourism,
  • Sepidan,
  • Evaluation model,
  • Kriging
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