Abstract (150 Words)
Among the Internet applications, Web-based spatial data service (WebGIS), e.g. Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, and GlobeXplore, has promised a new generation of information platforms and expanded the ways in which travel information can be accessed. However, we know little about the population who seeks tourism and recreation information through WebGIS. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate tourism-information seekers’ characteristics and their use behaviors associated with tourism situations when utilizing WebGIS. An electronic selfadministered survey was developed as the study instrument. ANOVA was employed to conduct analyses. Sex showed to be influential in information search behavior. The factor of age differentiated the behavior and perceptions toward WebGIS in a wide spectrum in comparison to other factors. In general, education as a factor showed differences in motive and the area of interests. The factor of income levels showed little influence in the attitude and preferences.
User Profile, Perception, and Behavioral Characteristics of Web-Based GIS in Tourism Information Search
Among the Internet applications, Web-based spatial data service (WebGIS), e.g. Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, and GlobeXplore, has promised a new generation of information platforms and expanded the ways in which travel information can be accessed. However, we know little about the population who seeks tourism and recreation information through WebGIS. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate tourism-information seekers’ characteristics and their use behaviors associated with tourism situations when utilizing WebGIS. An electronic selfadministered survey was developed as the study instrument. ANOVA was employed to conduct analyses. Sex showed to be influential in information search behavior. The factor of age differentiated the behavior and perceptions toward WebGIS in a wide spectrum in comparison to other factors. In general, education as a factor showed differences in motive and the area of interests. The factor of income levels showed little influence in the attitude and preferences.
