The study titled Digital and Technological Transformation of Cappadocia Valleys Walking Routes: Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1, Güllüdere 2 Valleys is the Specialization project numbered DGP23-1 supported by Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Specialization Coordination Office.

Project Team
Project Manager Prof. Dr. Şenay MANTAŞ 
Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geography

Researcher Dr. Lecturer Member Emre ELBAŞI 
Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geography

Researcher Dr. Lecturer Member Beyda SADIKOĞLU 
Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geography

Researcher Lecturer. See. Utku Eren BAĞCI 
Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Specialization Coordination Office

Researcher Dr. Lecturer Member Ömer UZUNEL 
Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Tourism Research Institute

Location and Boundaries of the Project Site
The project area consists of the walking routes of Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1 and Güllüdere 2 valleys, located within the borders of Nevşehir province. Kızılçukur Valley, one of these valleys that constitute the study area, is located within the borders of Ürgüp district. Güllüdere Valley, Göreme Town of Ürgüp district; Meskendir Valley, on the other hand, lies within the borders of Ortahisar Town in Ürgüp district.

Purpose and Importance of the Project
When it comes to tourism in Turkey, one of the first places that comes to mind is the Cappadocia Region. Cappadocia is among the frequently visited destinations in the world, depending on its rich geological, geomorphological and cultural heritage. Considering that the economy of the Cappadocia region is largely based on tourism; It is understood that the quality and technology integration levels of tourist services offered in the region are of great importance. In this context; As a result of the observations made in the Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1 and Güllüdere 2 valleys, where the important walking routes of the Cappadocia Region are located, it was seen that the digital level of the routes was insufficient.
It has been observed that telephone networks in the field have decreased greatly in some places or have completely lost their reception power. In addition, it has been determined that the materials such as maps and brochures introducing the valleys used by tourism agencies are simple and incomplete. It is thought that this situation negatively affects tourists' orientation and touristic experience in the field. Among the main objectives of the study; These include eliminating the deficiencies identified in the field, improving the digital level of the Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1 and Güllüdere 2 valleys walking routes and ensuring their integration with technology, thus reinforcing the touristic experience in a positive way. One of the aims of the study is to prepare a solid basis for attracting qualified tourists to the region.
The walking routes of Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1 and Güllüdere 2 valleys; Following a 3D modeling with Geographic Information Systems, the main purpose and activities of the study are to enrich the experience of tourists in these destinations by establishing a website containing up-to-date information and images of registered and unregistered immovable cultural assets located on the routes. In the fields of map and mobile application services, where competitiveness is low in the value chain of the hiking routes of the mentioned valleys, studies are aimed to increase the competitiveness and therefore the preferability of the routes.

Method and Method of the Project
Constituting the work area; Literature regarding the Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1 and Güllüdere 2 walking routes and the historical and cultural units on these routes was scanned and many official documents were examined. Primary data obtained from field studies on walking routes were reflected in the overall study. By using Geographic Information Systems in the study; 3D modeling of Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1 and Güllüdere 2 valleys is being prepared using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A mobile application that can work both online and offline on walking routes has been designed.  A website has been created that will allow tourists to easily access all the information, visual and technological applications mentioned above regarding the routes. In addition, brochures with a QR code were prepared containing promotional, up-to-date information and visuals.
 

Impact of the Project on Regional Development
The "Digital and Technological Transformation of Cappadocia Valleys Walking Routes: Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1, Güllüdere 2 Valleys" project is expected to contribute to the economic development of the region - considering that the economy of the Cappadocia region is largely based on tourism. At the same time, it is thought that the project will serve as an example for the digital and technological transformation of existing routes. With the integration of these routes with technology, their regional, national and international recognition will increase.

Outputs of the Project

- Ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of information and visuals regarding the mentioned routes,
- Producing 3D maps of routes,
- Transferring the cultural assets on the routes to the digital environment,
- Increasing the recognition of the routes through the website, mobile application and brochures,
- The results obtained serve as an example for similar studies.

Thank You and Information Note
The study titled Digital and Technological Transformation of Cappadocia Valleys Walking Routes: Kızılçukur, Meskendir, Güllüdere 1, Güllüdere 2 Valleys is the Specialization Project numbered DGP23-1 supported by Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Specialization Coordination Office. We would like to thank Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University and Specialization Coordination Office for their support.