Developing a GIS and remote sensing based model to determine winter recreation areas in the case of seyhan basin

The aim of this study was to determine suitable winter recreational areas in the upper basin of Seyhan, temporal and spatial distribution of snow cover as a major component of winter recreation was estimated using Remote Sensing and GIS methods. For this purpose, optical and radar data sets were used together with land suitability maps to develop GIS and Remote Sensing based model. In addition, suitable areas to establish ski runs for beginner, intermediate and professional level users were determined and mapped using multi-criteria analysis. Then, snow cover components were estimated using the process-based J2000 hydrological model approach in the sub-basin scale in the study area. The changes in snow thicknesses (December-January) during the winter period were assessed using the radar data set (2016-2020) and interferometry for density and volume of snow in the region. The snow factor, which has the highest importance, was used as the major determining factor to map the appropriate areas. Additionally, suggestions were developed for the sustainable use of these areas.