How to map alternative travel patterns that benefit environment and communities of the Nordic countries using geospatial technologies

The thesis project is an attempt to prototype and test a web service and a navigation tool for cycling travelers, using open geospatial data and GIS (geographic information system) software to illustrate how digital mapping and open data may encourage active transport mode use and facilitate less impactful ways of traveling. The bigger goal is to demonstrate sustainable travel options’ ability to change existing travel patterns and diminish the disruption of communities and the negative environmental impact caused by excessive tourism activities. The project process is built around discovering digital tools and open data potentially helpful to travelers roaming the region using a bicycle as the main transport mode, while at the same time acquiring skills and knowledge necessary to map infrastructure available to cyclists: suitable cycling routes and paths and amenities for rest and resupply along them and beyond. Starting in spring 2018, using ArcGIS software designed to manipulate and analyze geospatial data a map was created in the form of a web application that may be used via smartphones for planning and navigation purposes. To make the project feasible and focus the study and limit data research, the test area is set to be South-Western Finland. Later the web app was tested during 2018 cycling season by several travelers in Finland going between Turku and Helsinki, as well as by prospective travelers who planned but postponed their tours to future years. The results and observations of the prototyping and testing processes presented in this report suggest the future development of the concept. These would take the initial project into a properly functioning application or a set of applications facilitating zero-impact travel practices in the Nordic countries