Integrating expeditionary and gis methods for tourism route planning in peripheral areas: a case study of the kolva river, russia
https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-4572
Abstract
Peripheral natural areas in Russia are being increasingly incorporated into tourism without scientifically grounded methods for assessing their potential, which creates risks and leads to missed economic opportunities for regional development. This study was conducted on the Kolva River in Perm Krai, Russia. We developed and tested a methodology for the integrated assessment of river-based tourism potential in peripheral areas using a combination of expeditionary field methods and GIS tools for tourist route planning. The methodology integrates field hydrological measurements, UAV surveys, campsite assessment based on six criteria, and GIS mapping. Using this approach, we designed a 144-km river expedition route. Thirty-two potential campsites were assessed, and eight were selected, with an average spacing of 25 km. Orthophoto maps were produced for key sections of the route. Twenty rock outcrops were recorded along the river, corresponding to a density of 0.14 units/km. Flood risk at the campsites was assessed using long-term hydrological records from local gauging stations. Hydrochemical analyses of water samples confirmed good water quality, and eight springs had sufficient discharge to supply drinking water along the route. The Kolva River is at the pioneer stage of tourism development, with no infrastructure or signs of recreational impact. The proposed approach to tourist route planning in peripheral areas may be considered broadly applicable to similar settings elsewhere, and the results can support spatial development planning and tourism route design in peripheral regions.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: This material was prepared with grant support from the Executive Directorate of the Russian Geographical Society (grant No. 11/2025I) within the framework of the interregional expedition project on the study of watercourses “RGS Rivers”, dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society. Water sampling and chemical analyses were carried out with financial support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation under the state assignment to the Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences “Investigation of the regularities of hydrosphere evolution in areas of intensive subsoil use in order to minimize environmental risk and ensure the sustainability of water use” (project registration No. 124020500053-6).
About the Authors
Svetlana E. Myshliavtseva
Perm State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Bukireva St., 15, Perm, 61406
Andrey V. Bogomolov
Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sibirskaya st., 78A, Perm, 614007
Yuriy S. Lyakhin
Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sibirskaya st., 78A, Perm, 614007
Anton I. Luchnikov
Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sibirskaya st., 78A, Perm, 614007
Olga E. Belomestnova
Perm State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Bukireva St., 15, Perm, 61406
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Review
For citations:
Myshliavtseva S.E., Bogomolov A.V., Lyakhin Yu.S., Luchnikov A.I., Belomestnova O.E. Integrating expeditionary and gis methods for tourism route planning in peripheral areas: a case study of the kolva river, russia. GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY. 2026;19(3):124-136. https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2026-4572
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