Application of GIS in the process of identification and tourist valorization of doline karst landscapes and terrains in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Soluble rocks where karst and genetically related types of relief are represented characterize over 50% of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The karst of Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterized by various shapes, while a great number of different terrains make the "locus typus" of karst in the world. The main tourist motives include numerous caves, springs, mountain peaks and cliffs, canyons and gorges, rivers with travertine waterfalls, and karst fields. Independently or as part of a larger whole, some of these motives represent protected areas, they make the most crucial tourist motives and are the most visited tourist destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Doline karst is a widespread karst landscape phenomenon in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but there are only a few sites that are known to the overall population. Through the use of GIS, this study identifies the areas of doline karst in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it explains the ways how sinkholes and doline karstlands are formed and identifies the fundamental factors contributing to their development, but it also highlights the possibilities for making the doline karst a part of the future local tourist offer.