A geospatial mapping and quantitative feasibility study of five geological sites on Mount Tampomas — combining field geology, petrographic analysis, and a multi-criteria geotourism assessment to recommend an education-based geotrail.
The Problem
Turning a scenic mountain into a data-backed natural laboratory.
Mount Tampomas in Sumedang Regency has striking volcanic landscapes, but until now it has only been used for casual sightseeing — with no formal description, interpretation, or scoring of its geological sites. That gap made it impossible to plan the area's tourism development on solid, measurable ground.
This project inventoried five geological sites around the mountain, reconstructed how each one formed using field description, structural measurements, and thin-section petrography, and then scored every site with a quantitative geotourism assessment method. The result is a set of feasibility scores and a recommended geotrail that can directly inform local tourism planning.
The novelty of the approach lies in combining micropetrographic data with numerical tourism evaluation — a pairing that had never been applied to this area before.
How It Was Done
Field and laboratory data feeding into a five-category quantitative scoring model adapted from Kubalíková (2013), weighted and averaged in Excel to produce a final feasibility score per site.
Rarity, geological diversity, site integrity, and how well-documented the site is in scientific literature.
How clearly the geological process can be understood, and whether the site is actually used for teaching today.
Accessibility, nearby tourism infrastructure, and links to local products and livelihoods.
Current site condition, actual and potential threats, and existing legal protection.
Cultural significance, ecological role, and aesthetic appeal — color, pattern, and vantage points.
Literature & regional geology review → field description and rock sampling at five sites → structural measurements at two waterfalls → thin-section petrography to identify precise rock names → genesis reconstruction → weighted scoring across the five categories → geospatial mapping in QGIS → geotrail recommendation.
The Field Sites
Each site was described, sampled, and interpreted before being scored on the same five-category rubric.
A natural discharge point where groundwater exits through gaps between massive dacite boulders in the Tampomas 1 Pyroclastic Flow deposit — a secondary-porosity aquifer rather than a porous rock matrix.
A resistant, upright waterfall wall formed when hot pyroclastic material welded into dense crystal tuff. Two joint sets, cutting the rock after it had fully solidified, record later brittle tectonic deformation.
An andesite lava body with striking sheeting joints that mimic layered sedimentary rock — actually formed by pressure release as overlying rock eroded away. Strong scientific value, solid infrastructure, and a local kerupuk opak product make it the standout site.
Geothermal fluid moves sideways through a permeable contact zone between two pyroclastic units rather than rising straight up, leaving a distinctive reddish iron-oxide stain where it reaches the surface. Locals prize it for its perceived healing properties.
Water filters naturally through open-textured crystal tuff, emerging with a rare turquoise clarity. Scientifically unique, but isolated — the nearest parking is 1.5 km away with no supporting facilities, dragging its score down.
The Numbers
Averaging the five weighted category scores produced a clear ranking to guide development priorities.
The Deliverable
"An Educational Geotourism Journey Around Mount Tampomas — West, North, to East" — a QGIS-mapped route linking all five sites with photos, descriptions, and scores at each stop.
Desa Nyalindung, Kecamatan Cimalaka — 7.5 km from Sumedang city
Swimming, picnicking, and fishing at the source of the Cikandung River.
Desa Padasari, Kecamatan Cimalaka — 3.4 km from Stop 1
Camping in the surrounding pine forest and local Sundanese food nearby.
Desa Cikurubuk, Kecamatan Buahdua — 6.3 km from Stop 2
Swimming in the turquoise spring, passing through open rice fields en route.
Desa Cilangkap, Kecamatan Buahdua — 7.3 km from Stop 3
Soaking and relaxing in the hot and cold pools, with full tourist facilities.
Desa Narimbang, Kecamatan Conggeang — final stop, via the Conggeang kerupuk opak center
Photography and swimming at the highest-scoring site on the route.
So What?
What the scores mean for how each site should be developed next.
Ciputrawangi Waterfall and Cipanas Cileungsing already have the infrastructure and scientific value to lead education-based geotourism development.
Cikandung Spring has excellent access but scores low on education — simple geology and hydrogeology signage would close that gap quickly.
Cipadayungan Waterfall has strong scientific and intrinsic value but no legal protection status — a conservation priority despite its lower overall score.
Ciembutan Spring's unique turquoise geology is held back by a 1.5 km walk from parking and zero visitor facilities — access should come before promotion.
Explore More
This project sits alongside other research, automation, and analytics work in my portfolio.
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