GIS-Based Zoning for Integrating Geosite Inventory with Spatial Planning: Evidence from Meratus Geopark, Indonesia

Rusdasopia Fahriani; Usman Firdaus; Muhammad Yusuf Ridhani; Defin Helda Leliana; Resita Rahmitiasari; Kiky Permana Setiawan

Authors

Rusdasopia Fahriani Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Muhammadiyah University of Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Usman Firdaus Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Muhammadiyah University of Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Muhammad Yusuf Ridhani Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Muhammadiyah University of Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Defin Helda Leliana Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Muhammadiyah University of Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Resita Rahmitiasari Meratus Geopark Management Agency, Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Kiky Permana Setiawan Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Muhammadiyah University of Banjarmasin, Indonesia

Keywords:

geo-bio-cultural landscape, territorial governance, spatial policy articulation, heritage landscape management, route-based analysis

Abstract

Geopark planning often begins with geosite inventories, yet translating these inventories into spatial planning interpretations remains limited. This study develops a GIS-based zoning interpretation of Meratus Geopark, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, by examining how official geosite distribution, development-potential density, accessibility, formal spatial planning categories, and field-survey evidence jointly shape geopark management implications. Its principal contribution is the development of a reproducible GIS framework that transforms official geosite inventories into analytical zoning to support spatial planning decisions. The analysis used 54 official geosites and combined weighted kernel density estimation, accessibility analysis, spatial plan overlay, and sensitivity–suitability assessment within a GIS framework, with field observations used to validate representative zoning conditions. The results show that Meratus Geopark is spatially differentiated across four routes. The weighted KDE, based on 54 official geosites and 3,647 selected toponymy points, produced a statistically clustered pattern, with a nearest-neighbor index of 0.184, z-score of -11.478, and p-value < 0.001. Accessibility also varies strongly, from the highly accessible Western Route at 8.2 km from Tugu Nol Banjarmasin to the peripheral Northern Route at 121.1 km. The integrated analysis produced five proposed zoning categories: core zone, buffer zone, geopark corridor, limited development zone, and special management zone. The proposed workflow provides planning-relevant evidence for geopark managers and spatial planners to differentiate conservation priorities, visitor-service provision, mobility corridors, and site-specific management needs, while maintaining that the resulting zoning interpretation is analytical rather than legally binding.

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