Web Mapping and Real–Virtual Itineraries to Promote Feasible Archaeological and Environmental Tourism in Versilia (Italy)

Abstract

The Versilia plain (NW Italy) experiences forms of tourism that are mainly limited to the beach area and concentrated in the summer season. The area is rich in cultural and natural heritage, not yet adequately enhanced. The presence of four local archaeological museums and a natural park offers a great opportunity to favour feasible archaeological and environmental tourism. The aim of this study is to use a holistic methodology to improve a different type of tourism in the study area. We propose a consilient multidisciplinary approach based on geological, biological and archaeological data in order to enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the Versilia plain. We have based our study on the reconstruction of palaeoenvironment maps showing the evolution of the territory and used them as a leitmotiv to link the archaeological museums and the natural park. We define real and virtual itineraries to create a synergy between the most important archaeological and natural sites and museums. It is possible to promote a different type of tourism in the study area by decreasing human impact and creating a relationship between the fragmented natural and archaeological heritage. Palaeoenvironment maps and real and virtual itineraries can be consulted with the aid of a web application, more specifically web mapping, developed with free and open-source libraries. The web mapping also contains other geological, geomorphological and archaeological datasets, which allow to understand the evolution of the environment and the cultural and natural heritage of the study area. The dataset available on the web mapping is also downloadable.