The optimal path planning based on landscape ecology and health science: A case study of JinYun Mountain in ChongQing, China

As a kind of outdoor sports, mountaineering is not only helpful for healthy, but also a good opportunity to enjoy beautiful views. How can we design suitable climbing routes based on landscape ecology and health science? This paper is designed to select optimal path, and slope, relief amplitude, viewshed extent, time, road types, scenic value and exercise intensity from Jinyun Mountain 5-m Digital Elevation Model (DEM), scenic spots and road network data, are chosen as the cost factors. In addition, personal psychological needs are involved in optimal path analysis. Finally, three optimal paths which are most suitable for tourists´ different purposes, such as fitness, sightseeing, and mountain-climbing, are designed. This research, provides reference for tour planning, and aims to alleviate the pressure of main traffic at Jinyun Mountain and help protect the ecology environment. Moreover, the researched approach can also be applied to other travel scenic areas.