Bioclimatic maps for tourism purposes

Several daily measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity and mean cloud cover are required for the calculation of the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET). Using data obtained from daily measurements at 7, 14 and 19 CET over the period from 1991 to 2000 of 201 Austrian climate stations, we analysed the thermal bioclimate in Austria. The calculated PET-values were compared with the results of another computation using synoptic data not only from Austria but also from neighbouring countries.The mean radiant temperature is rather complex, as it covers all relevant short and long-wave radiation fluxes and plays an important role in the energy balance of humans. Based on the individual current conditions, this parameter was calculated using the well-established ‘RayMan’ model, which was development based on guidelines of the German Engineering Society, i.e. VDI 3789 (VDI, 1994). The mean radiant temperature is determined based on the mean cloud cover and the maximum possible global radiation at a certain time and location.Statistical and GIS methods were used to convert the point-data consisting of PET-values for individual climate stations into a continuous surface. PET was spatially interpolated through a multiple linear regression analysis on a given grid. The results reveal fundamental information which is of particular relevance to the tourism and recreation authorities. The results are also important for spas and wellness resorts.