Relief relics of historical mining near Ľubietová (central Slovakia) – possibilities for montanistic (mining) research using airborne laser scanning (LIDAR)

The study deals with the history of Cu (±Ag)-and locally Fe-ore mining in the locality Peklo near Ľubietová in central Slovakia. The emphasis is on the evidence of mining in the local landscape relief during the period of 16th to the 19th century. Anthropogenic landscape changes were examined on the basis of written archival documents, cartographic sources and field research. An important part of the investigation was the use of data obtained from aerial laser scanning (LIDAR) to research mining anthropogenic relics in the contemporary landscape. The study deals with the identification of these shapes in situ, their morphological and morphometric properties. The conclusion points to the positives, but also the negatives of the methodical use of LIDAR data in the mining research of historical relief relic

Proposal for Effective Management of Geoparks as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic

Geoparks, as sustainable tourism products, embody a range of values and functions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of tourism on the landscape. The current increasing trend in establishing and supporting geoparks has extended to the territory of the Slovak Republic, which possesses valuable natural potential. However, effectively harnessing this potential requires a clearly defined management structure aligned with the goals and mission of each geopark. The paper presents the operational aspects of geoparks in Slovakia, providing a comprehensive overview of geopark management followed by a subsequent evaluation. Assessing the management approach yields valuable insights into the ongoing development of Slovak geoparks, serving as a stepping stone for their further advancement. These geoparks are in a state of continual evolution, demanding significant support to ensure their efficient functioning. The study establishes clear quality management criteria for optimal staffing. The main objective of the paper is to demonstrate the need for the professionalization of human resources in geopark management. Additionally, the article concludes with a model for a strategic approach to human resources management, covering all its areas. Geoparks, as a modern product of geotourism and territorial management, represent innovative strategies for protecting and conserving geodiversity. They are closely intertwined with knowledge dissemination, education, and fostering a broader appreciation for the Earth’s value. Moreover, they play a vital role in the sustainable development and preservation of territories

Development of Pilgrimage Tourism in Slovakia over the Past Decades: Examples of Selected Pilgrimage Sites

Pilgrimage tourism, among the earliest forms of tourism with a tradition spanning centuries, stands as a steadfast global attraction. This article delves into the significance, diversity, and historical roots of this tourism type, recognizing the contemporary surge in interest in pilgrimage sites. Offering an overview of globally prominent pilgrimage destinations and highlighting key locations in Slovakia, the article emphasizes the country’s considerable potential for the utilization and development of these sacred sites, despite its compact size. It stresses the need to foster this historically significant tourism sector and the necessity for attention and support from the government sector to maximize its potential. The relevance of pilgrimage became particularly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, with observable visitor participation despite challenging conditions at various pilgrimage sites. The article examines the pilgrimage’s evolution before, during, and after the pandemic, using Levoča and Šaštín in Slovakia as illustrative cases. One of the main objectives of this study was to clarify the development of pilgrimage tourism in Slovakia over the past decades and the factors influencing it. The attendance analysis unmistakably reveals a significant upward trend at these specific locations, emphasizing the need to establish collaborative efforts to support this sector. Such collaboration is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of historically significant sites, fostering local development, and increasing the visibility of less-visited pilgrimage destinations

The Preference Analysis for Hikers’ Choice of Hiking Trail

Leisure time and its quality use is becoming increasingly important in society. We can spend it primarily on physical activity, which offer many options, as it provides an entertainment and has a complex effect on our physical and mental health. Walking as a basis for hiking is the most accessible form of physical activity. Hiking is known as a low-level adventure activity, making it popular, and therefore, it presents an important tourism product around the world. The aim of hiking is the improvement of spiritual wealth, physical capabilities, mental resilience, and the general health of a person. An essential activity of hiking is the exploration of natural beauties and monuments. The tourist chooses a certain attractive place based on the route by which he can arrive there. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the motivations of mountain hikers and to discuss the issue in wider contexts. This study examines the individual components comprising the decision-making process when choosing a hiking trail, such as slope of a terrain, relief, hiking trail surface, difficulty level of hiking trail, natural monuments, environmental attractiveness, and hiker’s internal motivation. The study contributes to contemporary literature on soft adventure hiking. Definitively, the findings provide important data in the creation of attractive and sustainable tourism products tailored to and planning for sustainable development of the territory in terms of tourism

Anthropogenically Created Alpine Pastures as Landscape Resources for the Alpine Chamois Population in the Western Carpathians Mountain Range: Ďumbier Tatras Case Study

This study analysed the history of anthropogenically created alpine pastures from the 15th century to the present, as landscape resources for the chamois reintroduction in the second half of the 20th century in the Western Carpathians mountain arc (Slovakia), using the example of the Ďumbier Tatras (the second highest mountain range of the arc). Analysis and reconstructions were carried out on the basis of detailed archival and field research, which showed that grazing herds in the mountain peaks from the Middle Ages to the 20th century created anthropogenically suitable and sufficiently extensive grassy habitats for the chamois reintroduction and the survival of its population. The native chamois population became extinct in the Ďumbier Tatras at the end of the last ice age (about 10,000 years ago). However, anthropogenic deforestation has once again created suitable conditions for its distribution. In the 20th century, a new factor emerged, namely nature conservation and the proclamation of a national park, which meant the end of grazing in the alpine environment and the onset of succession. In the second half of the 20th century, modern tourism became another negative factor for the relocated Alpine chamois population, from the High Tatras back to its quasi-original environment. Tourism development was related to the construction of extensive infrastructure and superstructure in the chamois habitats in the Chopok and Ďumbier massifs. At present, therefore, the preservation of these ‘anthropogenic’ habitats requires active conservation and landscape management

Old Mine Map Georeferencing: Case of Marsigli’s 1696 Map of the Smolník Mines

Historical maps represent a unique and irreplaceable source of information about the history of a country, be it large (historical) regions, individual geomorphological units or specifically defined sites. Using a methodologically correct, critical historical analysis, old maps provide both the horizontal and vertical analysis of a landscape and its transformation in different time periods. These maps represent some of the oldest, but relatively easily accessible, historical pictorial documents (plausibly) depicting historical landscapes. This study provides the methodology for processing and georeferencing old mine maps with the possibility of their further use for the purposes of mining tourism. The 1696 Marsigli mine map has been chosen for the case study in question. It depicts a cross-section of the copper mines in Smolník and shows in detail the process of cementation water mining. Through an analysis and a detailed study, two-dimensional parts of a georeferenced historical map have been plotted in Google Earth’s three-dimensional space

Rozwój geoturystyki z wykorzystaniem cyfrowego modelu 3D na przykładzie Jaskini Niedźwiedziej na Słowacji

Cave tourism (speleotourism) is very popular all over the world within the broader category of geotourism. Slovakia is also well known for its karst areas and caves, but most of them are not freely open to the public. This paper presents how to make a cave “accessible” without physically entering it. This can be facilitated through the use of digital 3D models. Visitors are then able to experience cave tours through 3D projections and 3D cinema. This would allow people with disabilities and those with claustrophobia to enjoy caving. An added advantage is that the cave environment remains untouched. This paper provides a comprehensive scan of the Bear Cave using Leica ScanStation C10 terrestrial laser scanner. During the 3D modelling of the Bear Cave, Trimble RealWorks software was used to process and analyze the large data sets recorded by the scanner. As a result, not only were visualizations and images of 3D models from the cave obtained, but also a 3D animation was made using the Bentley Pointools software. The information included in this paper has been compiled from all phases of the measuring and data processing of the Bear Cave.Turystyka jaskiniowa (speleoturystyka) to bardzo popularna na całym świecie forma geoturystyki. Realizowana jest ona także na Słowacji, która jest znana ze swoich krasowych obszarów i jaskiń. Niestety większość z tych jaskiń nie jest swobodnie dostępna dla zwiedzających. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia, jak „udostępnić” jaskinię bez konieczności fizycznego wchodzenia do niej. Jest to możliwe dzięki wykorzystaniu cyfrowych modeli 3D. Zwiedzający będą mogli doświadczyć zwiedzania jaskini za pośrednictwem projekcji 3D i kina 3D. Pozwoliłoby to niepełnosprawnym oraz osobom z klaustrofobią cieszyć się wizytą w jaskini. Dodatkową zaletą takiej formy zwiedzania jest to, że środowisko jaskiniowe pozostaje nietknięte. Autorzy opisują pomiar Jaskini Niedźwiedziej przy użyciu naziemnego skanera laserowego Leica ScanStation C10. Podczas jej trójwymiarowego modelowania, do przetwarzania i analizy dużych zbiorów danych zarejestrowanych przez skaner, wykorzystano oprogramowanie Trimble RealWorks. W wyniku skanowania laserowego uzyskano nie tylko wizualizacje i obrazy modeli 3D z jaskini, ale także animacje 3D wykonane przy użyciu oprogramowania Bentley Pointools. Informacje zawarte w niniejszym opracowaniu zostały zebrane ze wszystkich faz pomiarów Jaskini Niedźwiedziej i przetwarzania danych