Socioeconomic Monitoring

Socioeconomic Monitoring (SEM) helps the National Park Service to better understand visitors to the various park types and sizes across the nation. It likewise contributes to the accuracy of Visitor Spending Effects estimates and updated Visitor Use Statistics. Central to the endeavor is implementation of the SEM Visitor Survey at 24 park units per year. The selected parks are pulled from categories of visitation level and park type, and the selected parks change each year. Their selection provides findings across different NPS park types, and the results better tell the story of visitation across the NPS system as more parks receive visitor surveys each year. SEM findings provide up to date insight for strategic resource use and enriched visitor experience.

What We Do: SEM Populations of Focus

Park Visitors

Each year, SEM visitor surveys are conducted at 24 park units. Park units of all types and sizes are randomly selected in a process described here: Park Selection. This process provides a study sample representative of the various park types across the park system.

Visitors at these parks are asked about trip characteristics (contributing to Visitor Use Statistics), spending (contributing to Visitor Spending Effects), experiences, perceptions, travel, and more. For the first time, the NPS has a means to strategically gather system-wide data on the above areas. Additionally, individual parks will benefit from data particular to their park or trends from parks of a similar type. The findings become increasingly representative at the regional and national levels with the addition of data from 24 parks each year. Learn more at our SEM Visitor Survey Site and the Visitor Survey Process Visualization Page.

American Public

The Comprehensive Survey of the American Public (CSAP) provides insight from both visitors and non-visitors. Each CSAP iteration asks members of the public about park visitation, expectations of visits, view of NPS, and differences between visitors and non-visitors. With this information, NPS leadership can better understand how the American public views the role of NPS and how well it currently fulfills that role. Reports from data collected include a national report, regional-level reporting, and topical reports about specific issues. Secondary analysis explores why people are more or less likely to visit national parks and what factors may influence park visitation.
CSAP 3 (2018) National Technical Report
CSAP 2 (2008-2009) National Technical Report
CSAP 1 (2002) National Technical Report

Other Populations

During the needs assessment phase of SEM over ten years ago, numerous populations were considered for long-term monitoring. Other groups such as park partners, NPS employees, gateway community residents, etc. were identified as valuable perspectives for collecting information. SEM staff continues to explore possibilities for including collections and administration procedures to collect status and trend information on these populations as bureau needs arise.

For more information: (2010) NPS Socioeconomic Monitoring Needs Assessment