Techniques and Equipment for Gathering Visitor Use Data on

17

Part 4 of 9Part II – Techniques and Equipment

Overview ofTechniques andEquipment Usedto EstimateRecreation UseSeveral basic techniques arecommonly used to gatherrecreation use data. Managers candirectly count people and observethe activities in which peopleparticipate or managers can useindirect methods such asmechanical equipment andregisters to count people. Someequipment can be used incombination to collect moredetailed information such asduration of activity participation orgroup size. Other indirectmethods of estimating use includeusing data from other agenciesand using local knowledge andobservation.

The sampling plan and area to besampled will determine theappropriate measurement

technique. Equipment founduseful to count visitors includestraffic counters, voluntaryregistration, visitor surveys,mandatory permits, and remotesensing. Visual observation is alsoa useful technique when theinformation is recorded andanalyzed. Each technique andtype of equipment has strengthsand weaknesses.

TechniquesTraffic counters record and tallythe passing of objects. They maymechanically detect impact of tires,feet, or hooves using tubes or padsplaced under a surface; or employmagnetic loops to detect vehicles;other counters detect motion, heat,sound, vibration, or light.

Counters are available for road, trail,and river use, and can count objectssuch as vehicles, hikers, horsebackriders, bicyclists, cross-countryskiers, snowmobilers, and boaters.Traffic counters can be used aloneto count the number of visits or theycan be combined with anothermeasuring technique to calculate

variables such as group size, activityparticipation, and length of stay.Techniques most effectivelycombined with traffic countersinclude visual observation (withcamera or person), surveys, andregistration.

Detailed information about the prosand cons of various traffic countersis summarized in: Trail TrafficCounters for Forest Service TrailMonitoring, a USDA Forest Service,Missoula Technology andDevelopment Program publication(1994).

Voluntary registration dependson visitors signing a registration formsometime during their visit.Registration sites are usuallyunstaffed and located at or neartrailheads, visitor centers, rangerstations, and undevelopedcampgrounds. Voluntary registrationmeans some visitors will choose notto fi l l out forms. Inaccurate useestimates can result unless you useanother technique to determine theratio of those that register versusthose that don’t. This ratio allowsyou to collect more defensible data.Traffic counters, cameras, and

18

Part 4 of 9personal observation can be used todevelop this ratio.

Visitor surveys are not used solelyto count visitor use. Rather, they areused to measure other visitorcharacteristics such as visitorsatisfaction, length of participation,frequency of participation,preferences, types of activit iesengaged in, etc. Surveys involvedirectly contacting the visitor eitherin person or by mail andadministering a questionnaire.

Mandatory permits requirevisitors to obtain written permissionbefore using an area. Failing to obtainpermission violates regulations, andthere is a high incentive to obtaina permit. A ratio of those whoobtained the permit to those who didnot should still be developed. Permitsare most often required in developedcampgrounds, for boats, somewilderness areas, and ATV use.

Permits are often required for othermanagement purposes such aslimiting use, or user education. Theymay be useful to managers not onlyfor number counts, but may containinformation on group size, place ofresidence, length of stay, etc. Permitsmay be issued through the mail, overthe phone, in person, or may be self-issued on-site (such as a trailhead).

Remote sensing is used toobserve recreationists from adistance. This is accomplished byairplane, helicopter, and balloon overflights. When balloons are used, theyare tethered and have camerasattached. The cameras are triggeredeither by remote control or a timer.Helicopters and airplanes require anobserver who takes photographs orvideos. Use of remote sensingsatell ites for monitoring may befeasible in the future. In all cases thephotos are analyzed later. For mosteffective use of remote sensing, theground level activity must be clearlyvisible. Special areas such aswilderness may have altituderestrictions and limit use of thismethod. The high cost andrestrictions of this technique limit itsusefulness for most managers.

Visual observation is sys-tematically observing people as theyenter an area or participate in anactivity. The best use of thistechnique is to station a person at

SelectingSamplingEquipment andTechniquesPast research has shown that fieldmanagers consider severalimportant factors before selectingand implementing a samplingtechnique. These factors include:(1) amount of time and effortrequired for them to implementthe technique; (2) initial cost ofpurchasing sampling equipmentand paying personnel toimplement the technique; (3)future sampling and equipmentmaintenance costs; and (4)reliability of data collected. Anadditional factor called (5) “visitorburden” has been added that mayassist in the decision process.Some sampling techniques do notinvolve any interaction or timewith the visitor being counted,other techniques require visitorsto sign a register or fill out aquestionnaire.

In this section you will workthrough a decision key processbased upon: time and effortrequired; initial equipment andimplementation costs; futureequipment and maintenancecosts; and visitor burden. After

making a series of guideddecisions, one or more samplingtechniques will be recommended.You can then read about thesespecific techniques and decidewhich one best fits yourmanagement situation.

It is assumed you have alreadyfollowed the steps in Part I. Thedesired accuracy of your data hasbeen determined by yoursampling plan. The sampling planalso identified where and whenyou will sample, and whichrecreation use activities you willmonitor.

Step 1 - QuickTec hnique Selection

Review this step to see if you canquickly select the appropriatetechnique for special situations.

In some situations, informationrequired to estimate use isalready being gathered for otherpurposes. If any of the followingsituations apply to your area, readthe page referenced and deter-mine if the technique applies toyour situation. If these techniquesdo not apply, proceed to Step 2.If these techniques will work foryou, go into the field and collectyour data! Once collected, it mustbe analyzed and checked againstyour objectives. You will thenanalyze and report your data.

1. Is the activity you wish tosample already being countedby another agency or withinanother department in your ownagency?

It is cost prohibitive andimpractical to expect that allactivity types can be measuredusing statistical methods.Indirect, nonstatistical methodsof collecting data may be usedif they meet your managementobjectives. Data collected byother agencies, special usepermittees, or otherdepartments in your own agency

the location to observe the visitorand record the information on a form.Movie cameras, video recorders, orstill cameras can be used in placeof personnel. This equipment can beused in conjunction with trafficcounters that trip the camera, rollthe film, and record time and date.To ensure that all visitors are counted,cameras can be used only at siteswhere the visitor passes a specificlocation. It is important to protectvisitor privacy by not using camerasin campsites or living areas, and toblur the lens enough to prevent facialfeature identif ication. Visualobservation is commonly used tovalidate or supplement othertechniques.

19

Part 4 of 9can be used. For example, biggame hunting use on NationalForest System lands may beestimated indirectly from Statesales of deer and elk huntingtags. The data are oftenrecorded by county. You canthen estimate use for theportion of that county on yourDistrict. Using local observationfrom fire patrols and other fieldworkers may help you identifythe areas of concentratedhunting use in the county.Go To Page 18

2. Is a fee required for eachvisit to the area?

If so, you can probablydetermine use estimates fromthis system. Ticket sales fromski areas or campground feepermits can easily be use tocorrelate use. Go To Page 38

3. Do you have a mandatorypermit system in place?

If so, you can probablydetermine your use estimatesfrom this system.Go To Page 37

4. Are Campground hosts,entrance station attendants, orothers measuring use at acampground?

If so, many techniques such astraffic counters and cameras arenot appropriate. Visitors oftenenter and leave the campgroundseveral times during one day’svisit, which causes the trafficcounter to overestimate use.Techniques that are mostappropriate are: Fee Receipts(Page 38), Registration WithPersonal Observation (Page 29),Personal Observation (Page 23),and Visitor Surveys (Page 35).

5. Does your area have a hostwhose primary duty is to greetvisitors as they enter the area?

If so, they can probablyestimate use to the area. Sincethe host is already there,

that best meets your need andcollect the data.

DefinitionsAreas being sampled have either

concentrated or dispersedrecreation use.

Concentrated Use Areas– Theseareas relate to the urban, rural, androaded natural end of the recreationopportunity spectrum. They arecharacterized by having designatedsites within a larger area and areoften designed for particular activities.This category defines most developedcampgrounds, visitor centers, andinterpretive sites. There are usuallyspecific places for specific activitiesand visitors are easy to count.

Dispersed Use Areas– These areasare generally related to the roadednatural, semi-primitive, and primitiveend of the recreation opportunityspectrum. Distribution of visitors isnot controlled or funneled, and onelarge area often supports a widevariety of recreation activit ies.Examples of dispersed use areas mayinclude lakes, rivers, trails, roads,and the general forest. On trails, forexample, visitors may stray from thetrail to hunt, camp, or explore nature.They may be difficult to find withmany sampling techniques.

The basic approach to countingpeople in dispersed areas is to sampleuse at concentration or access pointsbefore dispersion takes place(trailheads, boat launches, majoraccess roads, etc.). Care must betaken when reporting use at thesestaging areas. Remember, the activityitself occurs in the larger dispersedarea, not the staging area. The usereported for the trailhead or stagingarea should include loading andunloading time only.

Limited Access– Areas with limitedaccess have a small number (generallyone or two) of well-defined entrancepoints. Examples of areas with limitedaccess include most visitor centers,a fishing site with access only froma parking area, a lake with one boatlaunch, or a trail with one trailhead.

Multiple Access– Areas withmultiple access routes have manywell-defined and/or undefinedentrance points (more than two).

techniques that utilize the hostmay be most appropriate. Theseinclude Personal Observation(Page 23), Registration WithPersonal Observation (Page 29),and Visitor Surveys (Page 35).

Step 2 - At what typeof site are y ouestimating recreationuse?

Selection of recreation samplingtechniques and equipment willvary with the recreation setting.Primitive or semi-primitive areaspresent special challenges makingaccurate recreation use countsdifficult. People are dispersedthroughout the area, perhapshunting and bushwhacking offdeveloped roads and trails.Finding and counting these peopleis almost impossible! In roadednatural and urban recreationsettings, people are concentratedin specific areas and use is easierto count.

To assist you in selectingtechniques and equipment mostappropriate for your samplingsituation, the recreation settinghas been categorized into fourtypes. Decide which of the fourcategories best describes the sitewhere you wish to estimaterecreation use:

• concentrated use withlimited access

• concentrated use withmultiple access

• dispersed use with limitedaccess

• dispersed use with multipleaccess

Once you have selected thecategory that best describes yoursampling situation, turn to theappropriate decision key. Makethe decision for time and effort,initial cost, future cost, and visitorburden. Read about eachtechnique recommended for yoursituation. Select the technique

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Part 4 of 9Examples of areas with multipleaccess include a river with manylaunch sites, a general forest areawith many logging roads providingmultiple entry and exit routes, or asemi-primitive management area withmotorized trails and trailheads.

Time and EffortCategories

Minimal to Some - requires littletime and planning, and the staffusually can easily learn the skillsand knowledge needed.Maintenance costs on equipmentare minimal.

Moderate to Extensive - requiresconsiderable investment inplanning, time, skil l, andknowledge to implement thetechnique. At least 10 days areneeded to properly design andadminister the surveys, orpurchase, calibrate and install theequipment, and/or moreextended time is needed to collectand analyze the data.

Step 4 - How muchmoney can youspend on initialequipment purchase,calibration, setup,and data collection?

The purpose of specifying a costcategory is to help identifytechniques that may be tooexpensive for your budget. Costsassociated with estimating visitoruse include: equipment, labor,analyzing information, andmaintenance. Estimate how muchmoney you can spend on initialequipment purchase and projecthow much you can spend on futuredata collection for the next severalyears. Future budgets may affectthe technique you choose now. Forexample, you may be willing tospend a little more now if the costof using the technique in the futureis low. Consider using volunteers,campground hosts, or borrowingequipment to save some costs.Select the initial and future costcategories that best meet yourneeds.

Burden” is always better thanvisitor burden. Base your decisionon management objectives andthe recreation setting. Forexample, people backpacking in aprimitive ROS setting expectsolitude and little sign ofmanagement. On-site visitorsurveys may disturb their sense ofsolitude and may not beappropriate. On the other hand,campground visitors may welcomethe interaction.

Visitor Burden Categories:

No Visitor Burden— the visitor isnot actively involved in theprocess of being counted.

1 to 3 minutes VisitorBurden— requires up to 3 minutesof the visitor’s time.

3 to 10 minute VisitorBurden— requires over 3 minutesand up to 10 minutes of thevisitor’s time.

over 10 minute VisitorBurden— requires over 10 minutesof the visitor’s time.

Step 6 - Selecting theFinal Tec hnique

Following this section are threedecision keys. Select theappropriate key based on yourdecision in Step 2. Once youhave selected the right key, usethe decisions you made in Steps3 through 5 to select theappropriate techniques(s) for yoursituation. It is not necessary toread the section in its entirety.Instead, read only about thetechniques that you areconsidering using. Following is anindex of the techniques discussedin the next section.

Step 3 - How muchtime and eff or t canyou spend to collectuse data?

Estimating recreation use with anytechnique requires planning, skill,and knowledge. Effort is requiredto develop and adhere to asampling plan, to purchase,install, and validate equipment, tomaintain equipment, and toanalyze the data collected.

The techniques are rated bycategories assuming you have noprior knowledge of the technique.If you do know something aboutusing a particular piece ofequipment the technique willrequire less time and effort.Select the categories below basedupon the time and effort youhave available.

Step 5 - VisitorBurden

Visitor burden is the amount oftime and effort visitors mustexpend to be counted. Visitorburden should not be viewednegatively. It may be anopportunity to involve and obtainfirst-hand information from thevisitor. When you select thevisitor burden categoryappropriate for your situation, donot assume that “No Visitor

Initial and Future CostCategories

0-$400over $400

under $2,000over $2,000

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Part 4 of 9Decision Key No. 1 -Concentrated Use orDisper sed Use WithLimited Access

Moderate toextensivetime and

effort needed

Initial costunder $400

Initial costover $400

Initial costover $2,000

Initial costunder $2,000

1 to 3 minutesof visitor’s time

needed


needed

Future costunder $400

Future costover $400

Future costunder $2,000

Future costover $2,000

0 minutesof visitor’s time

needed


needed

0 minutesof visitor’s time

needed


needed

Fee Receipts

MandatoryPermits

Traffic Counters WithPersonal Observation

Personal Observation

Cameras

Traffic CountersWith Camera

RegistrationWith Camera

Visitor Surveys

Concentrated Use or Dispersed Use With Limited Access

Registration WithTraffic Counters

Traffic Counters

Registration WithPersonal Observation

Minimal tosome timeand effortneeded

94-29

(Page 24)

(Page 19)

(Page 29)

(Page 23)

(Page 25)

(Page 27)

(Page 33)

(Page 35)

(Page 31)

(Page 38)

(Page 37)

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Part 4 of 9Decision Key No. 2 -Concentrated UseWith Multiple Access


effort needed



Initial costover $2,000

Initial costunder $2,000


needed


needed

Future costunder $400

Future costover $4,000

Fee Receipts

MandatoryPermits

Registration WithPersonal Observation

Cameras

RegistrationWith Camera

Visitor Surveys

Concentrated UseWith Multiple Access

Minimal tosome timeand effortneeded 0 minutes

of visitor’s timeneeded


needed


94-29

(Page 38)

(Page 37)

(Page 23)

(Page 29)

(Page 25)

(Page 33)

(Page 35)

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Part 4 of 9Decision Key No. 3 -Disper sed Use WithMultiple Access


effort needed



over 10 minutesof visitor’s time

needed


needed

Fee Receipts orMandatory Permits

Visitor Surveys (long)

Dispersed UseWith Multiple Access

Minimal tosome timeand effortneeded


Visitor Surveys (short)

94-29

(Page 38 or 37)

(Page 23)

(Page 35)

(Page 35)

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Part 4 of 9

Technique PageNumber

Indirect Nonstatistical Methods _____________________________________________________________________ 1 8Traffic Counters ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 9Personal Observation ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 3Traffic Counters With Personal Observation ___________________________________________ 2 4Cameras __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 5Traffic Counters With Camera _______________________________________________________________________ 2 7Registration With Personal Observation ____________________________________________________ 2 9Registration With Traffic Counters _______________________________________________________________ 3 1Registration With Camera ________________________________________________________________________________ 3 3Visitor Surveys _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 5Mandatory Permits ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3 7Fee Receipts _________________________________________________________________________________________________________3 8Other Indirect Counts _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3 9

ImplementingVisitor UseSamplingTechniques andEquipmentThis section provides a detaileddescription of each technique andtips about the equipment usedincluding:

AdvantagesDisadvantagesApproximate CostsSteps in ImplementationGeneral DescriptionSite LimitationsEquipment NeededInstallation and SetupCollecting the DataFactors Influencing ReliabilityMaintenance CostsFuture Estimation Procedures

Indirect Non-statistical Methods

Advantages

Low costLow time commitment

Disadvantages

Accuracy of data usually unknown

Approximate Costs

Range: $140 to $308

Specific Expenses$28 to $84: 2 to 6 hours finding other agency data ($14/hour)$112 to $224: 8 to 16 hours analyzing and applying estimates ($14/hour)

Steps in Implementation

1. Determine activities to beanalyzed

2. Determine site locations3. Find data sources4. Analyze data received5. Apply data to site locations

General Description

Indirect, nonstatistical methods ofcollecting data may be used ifthey meet your managementobjectives. Data collected byother agencies, special usepermittees, and other departmentswithin your own agency mayprovide the information you need.Engineers record road traffic use;Campground Hosts often observetypes of recreation activities,types of people, group sizes, andeven activity duration. Decreasing

recreation budgets call forcooperative, creative work.Developing simple record formsthat can be used by other fieldworkers may help you collectmore data in remote locations.

Do not overlook the value ofrecruiting volunteers to helpcollect your data. Other potentialinformation sources include StateComprehensive OutdoorRecreation Plans, county and citysurveys, State Park studies,Bureau of Land Managementstudies, local tourism offices, etc.Recreation use trends, especiallyfor new high tech sports such asparagliding or wind surfing maybe estimated through suppliermarket studies.

Site Limitations

Data collected through othersources may not match thespecific area you need to analyze.For example, State Parksinformation may analyze thenumber of people fishing, hiking,and camping in state parks nearyour area, however they may offervery different services that attracta different visitor.

Equipment Needed

None.

Installation and Setup

None.

Collecting the Data

This step simply involvedsearching for and pursuingpossible data sources.

Factors InfluencingReliability

Since you are estimating usebased upon judgment instead ofnumbers, the reliability of yourfinal estimate will be unknown. Ifsomeone else took the same datasource and used their judgment,their use estimates may be verydifferent than yours. To keep

25

Part 4 of 9The traffic counter, when usedalone, is limited in the types ofvisitor use information it canrecord. For example, when visitorspass the counter in a vehicle,only the number of vehicles isrecorded, not the total number ofpeople using the area. Types ofvisitor use cannot always bedistinguished. Unless you selectcertain types of counters (such asseismic counters) skiers, bikers,ATVers, horseback riders, andhikers would not be distinguished.You can separate use informationby using two different types ofcounters on one trail or road. Forexample, snowmobilers and skierscould be separated by using botha seismic counter and an activeinfrared counter. The seismiccounter’s sensitivity can be set torecord only the greater vibrationof snowmobilers. Skiers can bedetermined by subtracting theseismic count from the infraredcount.

Time and effort to use trafficcounters is moderate. Initially you

some consistency, be sure torecord your thought and estimateprocess.

Maintenance Costs

None.

Future EstimationProcedures

Revisiting your identified datasources may help you identifytrends in various activities.

Traffic Counter s

Advantages

Reasonable costEasy to operate

Disadvantages

Equipment subject to vandalismProvides limited information when used alone

Approximate Costs

Range: $205 to $1,000

Specific Expenses$205 to $595: One counter and sensor system$28 to $84: Installation and calibration (2 to 6 hours at $14/hour)$200 to $250: Validation (20 to 25 hours at $10/hour) maintenance and batteries

Costs for Future Estimates$20 to $84: Installation and calibration yearly$200 to $250: Validation yearly


1. Determine site location2. Develop sampling plan3. Determine equipment needs4. Purchase equipment5. Install and calibrate

equipment6. Validate counter

7. Read counter8. Rotate counter to other

sites (optional)9. Analyze data

General Description

Traffic counters are devices thatrecord the passing objects. Theycan be used on roads, trails,rivers, or any area where a visitormust pass a given point. Counterscan record many types ofactivities including hiking,horseback riding, bicycling, skiing,snowmobiling, and boating.

Traffic counters have two basicparts: the counter box, and thesensor that detects the visitor andtriggers the counter. Types ofcounters include active andpassive infrared sensors, seismicsensors, electromagnetic inductiveloops, and pneumatic tubes.Some counters haveinterchangeable sensors whileothers do not. Some countersallow the addition of cameras anddate recording equipment.

26

Part 4 of 9

Power BestModel Cost Source Uses

Diamond $320 Batteries CountingTraffic Bicycles

Products

Diamond $300 6 D-Cell CountingTraffic Batteries Bicycles

Products

K-Hill $290 Two 6 Volt CountingSignal Co. Batteries Bicycles

Figure 5.–Inductive Loop Counters.

Traffic counters appropriate forsampling use on Forest Servicetrails were recently evaluated bythe Missoula Technology andDevelopment Center. Each type oftraffic counter performs best inone or two situations, but notoptimally in others. Thispublication will greatly assist youin choosing the appropriateequipment. The publication toorder is: Trail Traffic Counters forForest Service Trail Monitoring.USDA Forest Service, MissoulaTechnology and DevelopmentProgram, publication no. 9423-2823 MTDC (1994).

Types of CountersActive Infrared Counters emit abeam of light aimed at a reflectorup to 100 feet away. When anobject interrupts the beam, thesensor triggers the counter. Oneof its limitations is that it must bemounted at waist level, whichmeans that a tree or post mustbe located on each side of thetrail. These counters cannot beeasily rotated among entrances.

Passive Infrared Counters operateby detecting moving objects thathave a temperature different fromtheir background. Animals, fog, orchanges in temperature maytrigger the counter. These systemsare not recommended for mostuses, unless connected with acamera. Photos of the object thattriggered the counter would allowyou to distinguish between visitorsand phenomena that might triggerthe counter.

Seismic Counters (Figure 4)operate by attaching the counterto a seismic sensor buried in theground under the trail or road.When the sensor detects vibrationabove a given level, it triggers thecounter. These counters can bedifficult to calibrate correctly.Accuracy depends on sensor type,soil type, and the objects to becounted. An advantage of seismiccounters is that the sensors canbe buried and left in the groundfor many years (in some cases 8or more years). This facilitates

must become familiar with theparticular counter, install andcalibrate it, and validate thecount. After this initial effort, littlefurther time or effort is required.The batteries must be changedevery 2 to 6 months, and datamust be read and recorded at setintervals.

Site Limitations

An area must have formal access(by road, trail, river, etc.) andcontain a limited number ofaccess points for traffic countersto work most efficiently. If thereare many access points, morecounters will be needed or onecounter will have to be rotated.Counters should be concealedfrom vandals.

When counting vehicles on roads,the counter should be located atthe entrance to the site. Do notlocate it where vehicles will stopnext to the counter or turnsharply. Traffic counters are noteffective in areas such ascampgrounds, where visitors enterand leave the area multiple times,because they cause over counting.

When counting trail users, thecounter should be located farenough up the trail to avoidcounting people who are“looking,” but not hiking. Thecounter should be located on anarrow section of trail so visitorswill be traveling single file. Do notlocate the counter where peoplemay stop, such as scenic stops orat the top of a steep grade.

Equipment Needed

The number of sensors andcounters needed depends uponthe number of entrances to thesample area. Ideally, a countershould be located at eachentrance. Cost and effort may notallow this. An alternative may beto install the sensor portion ofthe counter at each entrance androtate the counter itself amongthe sensors.

rotating counters and usingcounters in future years. If thesensor is not connected to acounter, the end of the cablemust be covered for protection.

Inductive Loop Counters(Figure 5) are attached to a loopof copper wire buried under atrail or road. When a metal objectpasses through the loop’selectrical field, the counter istriggered. Because only metalobjects will trigger these counters,inductive loops are not suitable tocount pedestrians or horses.


Diamond $275 Batteries CountingTraffic VehiclesProducts MeasuresTraffic 2-SpeedTally 77 Ranges

(3-30 mph&

7-90mph

Figure 6.–Road Tube Counters.

Inductive loop counters work wellon paved and unpaved roads andtrails. The vehicle does not needto be moving at a minimumspeed to register. However, theloop should not be located wheretraffic will stop over it. Since thesensor is buried, the counter isless subject to vandalism thanconventional road (or pneumatic)tubes.

Road Tube Counters (Figure 6)are attached to a rubber tube thatstretches across a roadway. Whena wheeled vehicle crosses thetube, a burst of air triggers the

27

Part 4 of 9

Active Infrared

Cuesta SystemsRS-501 $595 6.6 (3.0) 11.5 x 7 x 6.5 4-C-Cells Average Very Good Good Average

(29 x 18 x 16.5)

Ivan TechnologyTrail Traffic $1,000 6.7 (3.0) 6.25 x 6.25 x 4 8-D-Cells Average Very Good Very Good Good Counter each unit (16 x 16 x 10) 2-N-Cells

Each Emitter &Receiver

Diamond TrafficTCS-120 $420 19.5 (8.8) 10 x 3 x 7 2-12 V Average Poor Good Average

(25 x 7.5 x 18) andCounter 1-6 V

10 x 12 x 7 Carbon(25 x 30.5 x 18) Zinc

Battery Box

Passive Infrared

Compu-TechPIR-70 Sensor $330 4.5 (2.0) 12 x 4 dia. 4-D-Cells Easy Good Poor Good

(30 x 10 dia.)TR-41 Counter $178 1.1 (0.5) 48 x 1.5 dia.

(122 x 4 dia.)

Diamond TrafficTT-3 Counter $189 1.8 (0.8) 3 x 3.5 x 5.5 2-3.5 V Easy Poor Very Poor Good

(7.5 x 9 x 14) lithTT-IR Sensor $159 1.6 (0.7) 8 x 1.75 dia. 2-3.5 V

(20 x 4.5 dia.) l i th

Seismic

Compu-TechTR-41 Counter $330 4.5 (2.0) 12 x 4 dia. 4-D-Cells Average Poor Poor Very Good

(30 x 10 dia.)PR-40 Sensor $49 2.1 (0.7) 3 x 3 x 5.5

(7.5 x 7.5 x 14)

Compu-TechTR-41 Counter $330 4.5 (2.0) 12 x 4 dia. 4-D-Cells Difficult Good Average Very Good

(30 x 10 dia.)TSS-32 Sensor $66 36 x 48

(91 x 122)

Diamond TrafficTT-3 Counter $189 1.8 (0.8) 3 x 3.5 x 5.5 2-3.5 V Easy Poor Poor Very Good

(7.5 x 9 x 14) lithTT-SS Sensor $109 1.0 (0.7) 3 x 1.5 x 5

(7 x 4 x 13)

Model Cost Weight Size Power Installation Construction Accuracy Vandallb (kg) in (cm) Resistance

Figure 4.–Infrared and Seismic Counters.

28

Part 4 of 9


K-Hill $210 110 volts Entryway/Signal - ac or waterproofCo. $240 batteries sensor

available

K-Hill $330 110 volts Entryway/Signal - ac or waterproofCo. $380 batteries sensor

available

Diamond $210 7 year IndoorsTraffic l i thiumProducts battery

Figure 7.–Pedestrian Counters.

Cuesta Systems Corporation5556 Ridge Park Dr.Loomis, CA 95650(916) 797-1282FAX (916) 797-1282

Diamond Traffic ProductsP.O. Box 1455Oakridge, OR 97463(503) 782-3903FAX (503) 782-2053

Ivan Technologies, Inc.27 Saddle Ridge Dr.P.O. Box 550West Simsbury, CT 06092(203) 651-3118FAX (203) 658-4828

K-Hill Signal Co., Inc.P.O. Box 432Uhrichsville, OH 44683(614) 922-0421FAX (614) 922-0421

Trail MasterGoodson & Associates, Inc.10614 WidmerLenexa, KS 66215(913) 345-8555FAX (913) 345-8272

Installation and Setup

Instructions for installing the counterwill be provided by the manufacturer.Installation may take from 2 to 6hours. This will include examining thesample site to find the best location,installing the sensor and countingmechan-ism, setting the sensitivityand time delay, and testing the func-tion of the counter. Countersmounted on trees or posts should bechecked after a few days to correctany shifting. A newly in-stalledcounter should be checked frequentlyuntil you feel it is oper-ating andcalibrating correctly. En-sure that theagency’s name and address isattached to the counter to detervandalism and theft.

Validating the CounterTo ensure accurate estimates, thetraffic counter must be validated.Validation compares the number oftallies the counter is registering withthe actual number of visitors (or cars,

etc.) passing the counter. Differencesbetween the tallies and the actualnumber observed can occur due tofalse triggers by animals, blowingleaves, non-recreational visitors (logtrucks, etc.), improper installation, orequipment failure.

The best method to validate counterreadings is by personal observation.Using a sample process, personnelcan count recreation visitors andcompare this count with the readingfrom the counter. Any difference isaccounted for by adjusting the tally.For example, if during the validationperiod the counter records 100visitors on a trail, and theobservation determines that only 90visitors passed the counter, futurereadings can be adjusted using acorrection factor. In this case, thecounter readings are multiplied by 0.9(derived by dividing 90 by 100).

Collecting the Data

Observations to validate counter datashould be recorded on a standardform and filed. Minimum data needsare shown on the sample form inAppendix A.

Reading the CounterCounter readings must be recordedon a consistent basis. It is best torecord information from each counterseparately, keeping track of date andtime the reading was taken. Acommon reading schedule that allowsweekend traffic to be separated fromweekday traffic includes recordingtraffic readings by Friday noon, andon Monday morning. By subtractingFriday traffic reading from Monday,weekend use is known. To calculateweekday use you must subtract theprevious Monday’s reading from thefollowing Friday’s reading. Countersthat automatically read and recorddata can also be purchased. At aminimum the counter should bechecked every 2 weeks formalfunction, battery failure, orvandalism.

counter. These counters can beadjusted to count either individualaxles or every second axle (torepresent a vehicle). In areas wherethere are many logging trucks,trailers, or other vehicles with morethan two axles, the counter readingwill have to be adjusted.

Road tube counters are commonlyused because they are simple toinstall and operate. However, whenused on dirt roads, a solid surfacesuch as a 2 by 4 inch board must beinstalled flush with the road surfaceand the tube must be attached to it.This prevents vehicles from pushingthe tube into the dirt which cancause a malfunction. These tubesalso deteriorate over time or can becut. Since they are visible, they aresubject to vandalism.

Indoor/Outdoor Pedestrian Counters(Figure 7) use a floor mat withsensors (known as a threadlike),which, when stepped on, sends asignal to the counter. This type ofcounter is commonly used atentrance ways to buildings. Thesensor is available in a variety ofstyles including waterproof, singledoor, or two door style.

List of Manufacturers.

Compu-Tech Systems, LLCP.O. Box 6615Bend, OR 97708-6615(503) 389-9132FAX (503) 382-4878

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Part 4 of 9General Description

Personal observation is a techniquethat uses personnel to countrecreation visitors. Because a persondoes not have to stay at one specificplace, personal observation can bevery effective in areas where thereare multiple or uncontrolledentrances. Although this technique isoften used, it is usually doneincorrectly because observations arenot systematic. Visitor use numbersare usually collected by countingvisitors when and where it isconvenient, rather than by using aformal sampling plan. This results incostly, unreliable use estimates.

Depending on the area‘scharacteristics, additionalvisitor information can oftenbe obtained. Informa-tion caninclude individual visits, groupvisits, group size, activityparticipation, and someobservable socio-demographiccharacteristics.The only effort required forthis technique is in designingand adhering to the samplingschedule. There is no visitorburden, as visitors do notactively participate in beingcounted.

Site Limitations

Personal observation is oftenthe most appropriatetechnique at campgroundsand dispersed areas. Inundeveloped campgroundswhere no fees are collected,no registration board installed,and no host is present,personal observation can bequickly and inexpensivelyused to obtain use estimates.

In many dispersed roaded areas,rivers, and reservoirs, personalobservation is the easiest andcheapest method available todetermine use.

Equipment Needed

None.

Disadvantages

Counts will be inaccurate if observations are not systematicRequires considerable personnel timeNo cost reduction for counts in future years

Approximate Costs

Range: $680 to $1,400

Specific Expenses$680 to $1,400: Observation (68 to 140 hours at $10/hour)

Costs for Future Estimates$680 to $1,400: Observation (68 to 140 hours at $10/hour)


1. Determine site limitations2. Determine visitor information to sample3. Develop sampling plan4. Observe visitors and record information5. Analyze information to determine total use estimate for area

Rotating CountersIf one traffic counter is used to covermultiple entrances or areas, asampling plan must be designed todetermine when to rotate the counter.It is important that the sampling planbe adhered to, as deviations willreduce the accuracy of useestimates.

Factors Influencing Reliability

The primary factors influencingreliability of traffic counter data areproper setup and validation. A trafficcounter hastily installed and notvalidated will produce unreliable data.Maintenance and monitoring ofequipment will reduce equipmentmalfunction.

Maintenance Costs

Traffic counters are relativelyinexpensive to maintain.Regular maintenance includesreplacing batteries every 2 to6 months. The most likelycause of major repair orreplacement may bevandalism.

Future EstimationProcedures

Most traffic counter sensorscan be left in place from yearto hear. Prior to each year’ssampling, recalibrate andvalidate the counter readings.Correction factors need onlybe calculated every few yearsunless you observe asignificant change in usepatterns.

Per sonalObser vation

Advantages

Can be used in areas where many other systems will not workCan provide additional visitor information

End Part 4

Documents

Techniques and Equipment for Gathering Visitor Use Data on