Design of the Shcherbovets ecological hiking trail based on remote sensing data

One of the important initial tasks for the proper development of tourism, and ecotourism in particular, is the high-quality design of the relevant routes. Assessment of terrain features, determination of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of routes and viewpoints (e.g., length, complexity, visibility, etc.) is quite difficult without the use of appropriate remote sensing materials. The article discusses the procedure for designing the Shcherbovets ecological hiking trail (Nadsluchany Regional Landscape Park, Rivne region) based on radar and multispectral scanning of the Earth's surface (Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2, respectively). The ecological trail runs along the left bank of the Sluch River near the village of Marynyn in the Sosnivska territorial community and got its name from the eponymous tract, which has long been chosen by tourists and locals to organise their holidays here. The process of performing the task can be divided into several stages: analysis of available cartographic materials; study of the complex geographical characteristics of the territory; setting up and testing of software and hardware for track recording; laying and coordinating the route and selected viewpoints; analysis and filtering of points recorded in the track; processing of the received photographic materials; construction of a digital terrain model; construction of thematic and index maps; use of composite images creation of vector maps of the route, viewpoints and georeferenced points. Specialised ArcGIS software was used to perform the modelling. It provides a general description, map, profile of the ecological trail, coordinates of viewpoints and resting places, their brief description, and photos of different locations along the route. The total length of the route was 6.7 km, the number of viewpoints was 9 (Ethnosettlement; Marynin ravines; Alder swamp; Radon spring; Transfiguration Church in Marynin village; Staroruske settlement; Castle mountain; Variety of ferns; Shcherbovets tract). Since the ecological tourism network in Ukraine is still in its infancy, the approach under consideration can be implemented at other sites of environmental significance. This will contribute to a more effective solution of health and educational, patriotic, economic and other important tasks. Provided that the proposed routes are presented on the Internet on resources with open information databases and taking into account the current level of navigation and technical equipment of the population, those wishing to make such trips are given the opportunity to do so not only as part of organised groups, but also on their own. Keywords: ecological tourism, ecological trail, route, remote sensing, software, modelling.