Possibility Study of Ecotourism Development Zones in Kurdistan Province Using Geographic Information System (GIS)

The climatic, geographic and topographic characteristics, ecological conditions, forest and pastures, strong water resources, high vegetation, wild life and various hunting areas of Kurdistan province are strong tourist centers. In this research using GIS potential of suitable zones for claiming, rocking, ranging, visiting the nature, thermal spring, ski and winter sport, water sports and fishing were studied. Based on objectives of research all the needed data including altitude, slope, vegetation, water resources, rivers and thermal spring gathered and classified. Then with overlay the data layers in GIS environment using Boolean model, suitable zones for each of ecotourism areas were determined. Result of this study indicates about 80 percent of total area on Kurdistan province have potential to develop of various touristy activities.