Engaging for geosite awareness based on GIS information

In the last decade, GIS programs allowed to focus on the dissemination of international, national, and municipal data making them available for consultation or for download and future processing by the population. Several geoportals can be used to share the information, as Internet-based geospatial resources, allowing users to discover, view and access geospatial information and services provided by a wide range of organisations. From this data there are unlimited options for analysis by users, including students and teachers, such as making maps, 3D models and other applications.

The Algarvensis aUGGp is relying on this technology for various purposes ranging from scientific site assessment and categorization, to educational and touristic engagement.

Here, we present examples of practical applications based on GIS information, such as storymaps, digital terrain models in 3D and touristic maps.

Storymaps are based on web applications that allow to tell a story in a dynamic way combining geographical maps with text and other multimedia contents. These applications are increasingly used in scientific dissemination, as well as educational tool within a wide range of themes. They have thus also great potential to enable the awareness about the geoparks and the geosites values to all the public in an interactive and appealing way as well as to support stakeholders and policy makers’ action and management decisions for conservation. Digital educational resource can also be used to explore the geosite during the pedestrian trails, but also as a virtual field trip in a classroom context, for instance. This study had the support of national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), under the project LA/P/0069/2020 granted to the Associate Laboratory ARNET and UID/00350/2020 CIMA, as well as from the Municipalities of Loulé, Silves and Albufeira.