The Relationship Between the Geographical Information Systems and Rural Development: Turkey Example

Abstract

Geographical data systems (GIS), which enable the creation of entities that are the subject of tourism, tourism planning, the identification of impact areas of tourism values, and the sustainable utilization of tourism entities, are data-collection and decision-making systems that can contribute to tourism planning and the development of tourism Recently, tourists' interests have shifted from sea-, sand-, and sun-focused tourism to alternative tourism types; one of which is rural tourism. With rural tourism, it is expected that economical and socio-cultural opportunities for people who live in rural areas can be improved. The realization of this provides the concept of rural development. Today, in Turkey, 36.40% of the whole population still live in rural areas and agricultural activities are the most important income sources. Therefore, it is possible to investigate rural tourism and rural development in the Turkish context. This chapter deals with suggestions in terms of rural tourism and rural development by using GIS.