Evaluate the overcrowding of a vulnerable site

Valuable data to assess overcrowding and adapt mobility

As part of a study conducted from April 2022 to October 2023, the PETR Pays de Remiremont and its Valleys used the Kiomda counters to analyze the attendance of several vulnerable natural sites. Some of them were facing a significant overattendance, threatening their ecological balance.

The data collected made it possible to document the pressure exerted on these spaces and support decisions to better protect them. In particular, they were used to consider adapted mobility solutions, like The establishment of shuttles in order to regulate access and limit the environmental impact.

“The counters were an essential tool in the study. The design office was able to combine attendance data with field observations, such as the condition of trees and soils, to assess the environmental fragility of the sites.”

Quasi-live monitoring to inform elected officials and adapt decisions

One of the major advantages of the Kiomda system was the fast remote data transmission. Every morning, attendance records were available, allowing a daily and responsive monitoring.

“Retrieving the data the next day allows me to have a precise idea of attendance. These figures, as well as the graphs generated over defined periods of time, are concrete elements that I can present during my meetings with elected officials.”

Counters have thus been an essential resource for document the study, feed into reports, and support discussions with decision makers.

Data used by numerous actors

The figures collected were shared with several stakeholders to feed strategic thinking and action plans :

• Elected officials and site managers to identify the actions to be put in place.
• The design offices to refine their analyses and propose adapted solutions.
• The Commissariat for the Development of the Vosges Mountains to monitor changes in attendance and support requests for funding.

“The counters will continue to be used on sites where actions are going to be implemented, and will also be deployed on other sites to monitor their evolution.”

Concrete actions implemented thanks to data

Thanks to the analyses carried out with Kiomda counters, several decisions were taken:

• Setting up an action plan in collaboration with the design office, then proposed to municipalities and site managers.
• Applying for and obtaining funding for solutions such as shuttles and specific arrangements.
• Monitoring the effects of the measures put in place, with the continuation of counting at some sites.

Data not only allowsguide layout choices, but also track their impact over time.

Reliability and feedback on the installation

The installation of the meters gave very positive results, with a good strength and reliable precision. However, experience has shown that boxes without protective cover have suffered damage, unlike those integrated into wooden cladding.

“The boxes protected by a wooden cover did not encounter any problems. Those who were visible were more exposed to damage.”

A popular decision support tool

With fast data transmission, reliable accuracy, and an intuitive interface for tracking, Kiomda counters met the expectations of the PETR Pays de Remiremont et ses Vallées. They allowed quantifying attendance accurately, to support decisions in the area of mobility and planning and to justify concrete actions for the preservation of natural sites.

📊 Do you want to better monitor the use of your natural areas and adapt your planning strategies? Contact us to discover our autonomous counting solutions.

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