Val di Fassa Case Study

The Val di Fassa case study, developed within WP5, aims to improve knowledge, digitalization, and integration of data related to the Val di Fassa hiking trail network. 
To achieve this, an initial state-of-the-art analysis of the trail network was conducted, followed by a field survey campaign and post-processing validation activities. In addition, to better understand visitor flow dynamics across the territory, an analysis was carried out on data collected by people-counting sensors distributed throughout the valley. Finally, with the objective of digitalizing communication related to trail opening and closure status, a prototype application was developed to generate a digital bulletin. 

The entire work carried out was completed in collaboration with CLA – Consorzio Lavoro Ambiente. 

Work on the trail network began with a preliminary analysis of existing data, which revealed good overall coverage but also gaps and inconsistencies. A systematic field survey and a post-processing validation campaign were therefore initiated. 
The field survey involved dedicated teams equipped with GPS devices and tablets, collecting tracks, georeferenced points, and photographic documentation. 
Accurate GIS post-processing enabled the achievement of sub-meter precision data. Overall, the hiking network in Val di Fassa extends for approximately 1,270 km, with over 387,5 km revised and 76.5 km directly surveyed in the field.

The DIGIWAY Fassa dataset is available via this link, providing direct access to the PAT WebGIS: Coming soon

Data from people-counting sensors for the years 2024 and 2025 (limited to the summer season) were analyzed. 
The result is a comparative dataset that provides a basis for understanding hiking flow dynamics in the valley. Monthly trends, weekly peaks, and hourly patterns were identified in order to structure and systematize the analysis. (See Table 7, User manual)

A further phase of the case study focused on digitalizing communication processes related to trail opening and closure information. To this end, the DIGIWAY Fassa app prototype was developed, capable of generating a digital information bulletin. The prototype is built on a cloud-based PaaS platform, ensuring scalability, data security, multi-device compatibility, and integration with other systems. 
It is primarily designed for operators (public administrations, agencies, associations), with outputs also oriented towards tourism stakeholders.

The information structure is based on three key elements:

• Trail as the base element
• Segment as the functional unit to manage partial closures
• Route as a structured combination of multiple trails and segments

Main functionalities include:

• Management of trail status (open, closed, partially closed)
• Approval workflow for reporting, verification, and authorization
• Automatic updating of the bulletin, which becomes immediately visible and accessible

The system includes different user profiles (contributors, administrators, viewers) and an interactive dashboard that allows users to monitor closures and access summary data.
The main objective of the prototype is to minimize the time between the detection of an issue and its communication to users, ensuring reliable, real-time, and easily accessible information, supporting both safety and more sustainable management of the hiking network.