Imp.Gregori&Melelli GEOTOURISM & GEOMORPHOSITES: THE G.I.S. SOLUTION Lucilia Gregori & Laura Melelli Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Piazza Università 06123 Perugia 1lucilia@unipg.it, 2lmelelli@unipg.it ABSTRACT: L. Gregori & L. Melelli, Geotourism & Geomorphosites: the G.I.S. solution. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2005). Geomorphologic research which has the geographical area of Umbria and the neighbouring territories as a subject of study, sheds light on some features possessing a relevant cultural and scientific value, known in literature as “Geomorphosites”. Nowadays Geotourism is an excellent opportunity to exploit the scientific knowledge researchers have of geomorphosites as a source of didacti- cal and economical value. The idea is to enhance the tourist attention towards geomorphosites, through the use of more traditional and better known interests. Having this aim in mind, a more careful research was made for each geomorphosite. Different characteristics are reported as: oeno- gastronomic tours, historic-artistic values, and craftsmanship activities. G.I.S. are the best instruments to manage and analyze geomorphologic data. In particular geomorphosites, which are mapped and spatially georeferenced have a geographical characterization so that they can be best studied through the use of G.I.S. In G.I.S. diffe- rent functions are available as querying maps, or building relations in relational database (one to one or many to one) in order to obtain detailed tourist itineraries. RIASSUNTO: L. Gregori & L. Melelli, Geoturismo e Geomorfositi: una soluzione in ambiente GIS. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2005). Da alcuni anni, lo studio delle caratteristiche geomorfologiche del territorio, ha messo in evidenza in Umbria e nelle aree limitrofe, (ana- logamente al lavoro svolto in Italia e all’estero) la presenza di forme con alto valore scientifico e culturale, definite “Geomorfositi”. Un nuovo approccio alla conoscenza e alla promozione di questi siti è costituito dal loro inserimento in nuove nicchie turistiche. Nasce così il “Geoturismo” ovvero un turismo che privilegia, lungo i consueti circuiti, mete con alto valore scientifico, geologico e geomorfolo- gico, consentendone il passaggio da un ambito strettamente accademico ad uno gestionale - economico. Nonostante il più alto livello culturale del turista medio, i geomorfositi rimangono ancora un campo poco o nulla esplorato dagli attuali flussi turistici. Trovare nuovi modi per far avvicinare il turista ai geomorfositi, passando attraverso interessi più tradizionali e già testati, è lo scopo principale del pre- sente lavoro. I Sistemi Informativi Geografici (G.I.S.), intesi come nuovi strumenti per la gestione e l’analisi di dati geografici, rappresentano un utile mezzo per il management dei beni geomorfologici e per la loro diffusione in ambito turistico. Gli aspetti più “tradizionali”, che costitui- scono un valore aggiunto al bene geologico-ambientale, oltre a quelli di carattere strettamente scientifico, sono implementati nel data- base relazionale del progetto: gli elementi geologico-geomorfologici, le valenze storico/artistiche, culturali s.l., l’artigianato e le tradizio- ni popolari, il valore paesaggistico/ambientale, la progettazione di percorsi escursionistici ecc. Il carattere territoriale dei geomorfositi (forme presenti nello spazio geografico, georeferenziabili e cartografabili), collegato ad un certo numero di attributi, li rende gli oggetti ideali per essere gestiti dai sistemi G.I.S. Utilizzando le potenzialità di tali sistemi (connessioni tra tabelle con relazioni uno a uno e molti a uno e/o formulazione di query) è possibile interrogare il database per ottenere la selezione dei geomorfositi che rispondono alle specifiche esigenze turistiche. La proprietà geografica del dato (georeferenziazione) permette inoltre, una volta avvenuta la selezione, di creare percorsi di collegamento tra i siti, che ne tengano in considerazione ulteriori caratteristiche come la fruibilità o l’accessibilità Keywords: Geographical Information System (G.I.S.), Geomorphosite, Geoturism. Parole chiave: Sistemi Informativi Geografici (G.I.S.), Geomorfositi, Geoturismo. Il Quaternario Italian Journal of Quaternary Sciences 18(1), 2005 - Volume Speciale, 285-292 1. INTRODUCTION New research perspectives in geological and geo- morphologic disciplines have led to define and evaluate forms, known in literature as Geomorphosites. They possess a relevant scientific, cultural and socio-econo- mic value, (Brancucci & Burlando, 2000; Panizza & Piacente, 2002a; Panizza & Piacente, 2002b; Panizza, 1992; Poli, 1999). Nowadays the research of specific methods to define these sites is one of the main aims in national and international literature (D’Andrea & Di Legino, 2003; Wimbledon, 1996). In addition the appli- cation of Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) has a not well-defined role yet. In many cases the G.I.S. systems can elaborate an interactive and real-time- updatable cartography (Carton et al., 2003). Also some attempts have been carried on to use G.I.S. as an analytical way to fix up a methodology for weighing dif- ferent attributes of the geomorphosites. At this purpose we can obtain a model to distinguish many forms on the territory (Giusti & Gonzalez-Diez, 2000). Still we can find some difficulties in transferring themes of geo- morphosites from a strictly academic sphere to a one more accessible and useful for the community. Particularly, these themes can integrate with anthropic tissue, which they belong to. Therefore, to include geo- morphosites in articulate and studied tourist-didactic routes seems to be a scientific and tourist relevant pur- pose (Massoli-Novelli, 2003). The use of G.I.S., more than every other traditional cartographical instrument, enables to manage different attributes of geomorphosi- tes and gives back a real-time updatable, interactive and extremely flexible data. One of the main difficulties, linked to the diffusion 286 L. Gregori & L. Melelli of geomorphosites in tourist circuits, is their sectorial nature. Until know, the interest in this subject was restricted only to geologists, naturalists, geographers, and not extended to common people. The implementa- tion of databases inside GIS projects takes into account the necessity of turning a bigger number of visitors towards geotourist routes. Therefore, what can be done is to determine and study geomorphosites along well known tourist routes. The central core of DB consists of a census and subsequent evaluation of existing additional values near a geomorphosite, like museums, naturalistic paths, historic centres with festivals and popular traditions. In the paragraph dedicated to DB structure, these additio- nal values will be described in detail. 2. GEOMORPHOSITES IN UMBRIA Several sites of relevant geological-geomorpholo- gic aspects can be marked in Umbria (Fig. 1): in certain cases these had an influence onto the historic and cul- tural local evolution of the territory (like for Assisi, Trasimeno Lake, “Mesa” of Orvieto, Mounts Sibillini area, Marmore Falls and others). Nowadays they conju- gate environmental realities and territorial intrinsic bents, potential and expressed for a synthetic vision of all possible scientific and cultural aspects, constituting an important resource and/or wealth of our territory. Determination and census of geomorphosites in Umbria and in neighbouring areas have led to the iden- tification of nineteen sites, some of which have been exclusively selected for their geomorphologic characte- ristics. Others have been chosen for the peculiarity of the related cultural and historical characteristics. The “intermountain basins” phenomenon are an interesting example of geomorphosites in central Apennines and particularly in the Umbrian one. They are wide depres- sed areas linked to extending plio-pleistocenic tecto- nics, characterizing western slopes of Apennine struc- tures. In “Gubbio basin”, the depressed area of “Gualdo Tadino”, “Colfiorito Plains” and “Pian Grande” there are morphologic evidences of tectonic activity (triangular facets) and of karst morphogenesis (polije). These areas gain an important morphological role, because they are identified as tectonics depressions linked to Apennines evolution. Moreover they constitute a particularly charming landscape which can be consi- dered different seasons as a tourist point of interest, also within a gastronomic, sports-tourist approach. Umbrian Apennine, in virtue of a massive calca- reous formation, presents picturesque landscapes and characteristic phenomena of karst morphogenesis, both hypogean and epigean, and in macro and microforms. Karst polijes show several animal species and endemic vegetable associations. Even brachy-anti- cline of Mount Subasio with “mortari” (depressions with doline shape set along the top of the mountain) are par- ticularly interesting for form and dimension and have an evident scenic value. Climatic conditions inside mortari also allow the existence of phytosociologic associa- tions. Among hypogean karst morphotypes the com- plex of Mount Cucco caves represents the broadest system of central Italy, while the hypogean cavities of Mount Maggiore Abbey, developed on the inside lime- stone “horizons”, intercalated with a flysch sequence, Fig. 1 - Location map. Localizzazione dell’area di studio. involve less known but very interesting sites, from a genetic and evolutive point of view and scientifically attention worthy as well. In Umbria morphogenetic fluvial agent is respon- sible for peculiar forms as Rio Freddo gorge and for the carving of Gorghe (Fig. 2), where lithoselection pheno- mena permit overhang of fault gravel creating something like a “range reversal”. These sites can be joined up in a speleological route as well as they allow an epigean hiking both along Rio Freddo “potholes” and Gorghe “wall”, where the study of geomorphologic phenomena and sport activi- ties combine extremely well. In both cases, scientific value, extraordinary scenic impact and interesting morphogenetic processes on one hand and tourist and technical-sport use on the other, propose a very good scientific and tourist offer. In southern Umbria there is a magnificent lithoge- netic process: Marmore Falls. The majestic waterfall, made by river Velino waters flowing into river Nera, rises artificially, thanks to a waters diversion projected and realized since Roman age. Falling processes of waters, saturated of calcium carbonate, have raised year by year a difference in level. This has happened probably already for structural reasons, increasing therefore leaving of massive traver- tine deposits and forming a series of karst and “pseudo karst” shapes, both of them present in travertine basin of the cliff and in the entire territory of Marmore Piano. Fruition of beauties of falls, lithogenetic processes linked to travertine deposition, “speleological” routes inside cliff caves, rafting and torrentism activities along Nera river give to this site considerable potentialities. The Springs of Clitunno river, at the base of the village of Campello range structure, represent a pecu- liar site linked to interaction of fluvial processes, karts and/or tectonic, through a complex genesis and evolu- tion of karst “essurgenze”. Therefore, they represent a unique landscape, extolled also by artists and poets of any age, from Plinio to Carducci. Other geomorphosites are included in this survey because their genesis is bound to important towns, characterized by a rich cultural and historic wealth. The uniqueness of the location of some towns is due to well identifiable structural elements and morphogenetic pro- cesses whose study permits to understand for example why a city had a particular monumental and town-plan- ning-development. Perugia historical centre, e.g., is situated on the top of the hill identified as River Tevere Paleodelta, that flowed into Tiberino Lake in plio-plei- stocenic age. Structural landforms (mesas) of Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio (Fig. 3) are the results of morphoselec- tion phenomena which isolated ranges (volcanic tuffs) and carved the spectacular badlands near Civita. The “dying village” of Civita represents a symbolic case of contradictory interventions to safeguard natura- listic aspects of a geomorphosite (badlands-landscape) and of its contemporary drainage work, held out of a historic centre consolidation. Orvieto represents a spectacular example of structural cliff “lived” all along its surface and its thick- ness (several hollows inside the cliff were used in past times as reservoirs and cellars). In the area included between Alfina plateau and the cliff, moreover, an inte- 287Geotourism and geomorphosites ... resting archaeological site has been discovered, which testifies an intense human presence starting from Etruscan epoch and adds value to this site. Cerbaiolo hermitage, located on the top of a cliff involved in an important lateral spread phenomenon, or Vernazzano tower, near Trasimeno lake, leaning further to a subsidence movement, represent attractive sites for their characterizing evolutive aspects and well suita- ble to be put in well known tourist routes. Trasimeno lake has been included in geomorphosites list for its peculiar character of tectonic lake (the most ancient in Italy) and also for its faunistic and floristic characteri- stics all along its shores. Near Ficulle/Allerona are visible particularly spec- tacular badlands-morphotypes, not very well-known yet, but worthy of being included in a geotouristic route, also taking into account its special character of terroir, giving important “wine-making” value to this zone; in these territories, in fact, the famous “muffati” wines are made and their production is linked to the local pedocli- mate. At last, in the most southern area of Umbria there Fig. 2 - Gorghe Wall. La muraglia naturale delle Gorghe. Fig. 3 - Civita di Bagnoregio: the “dyng village”. Civita di Bagnoregio: la “città che muore”. 288 is the site of Dunarobba fossil forest, which is a geolo- gical and palaeontologist worldwide known site, with a high geotourist value. The presence of several Taxodiacee tree trunks, still in their physiologic position, allows to individuate the existence of a fluvial-lacustrine pliocenic territory and a landscaping wreckage from the past. 3. THE STRUCTURE OF A G.I.S. (GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM) G.I.S. is a computer-based system for acquisition, storage, retrieval, analysis and display of spatial (loca- tionally-defined) data. We could define geomorphosites as geographical data and we could import and analyze them like spatial objects. Every object constitutes a georeferenceable form, according to a coordinate system. In addition, their complete and detailed know- ledge necessarily implies the collection of individual and characterizing attributes. The structure of any G.I.S. instruments is repre- sentable by the formula: n [G – A] Where n represents the number of informative layers to be implemented in a project (layers); G is the space-geographical component used to geore- ference. It is referred to geometric and topologic com- ponents of the objects. It describes the shape (geome- try), the location (latitude and longitude) and the spatial relantionships (topology). Topological properties of the figures do not change under bicontinuous one-to-one transformations (called homeomorphisms). Two figures that can be deformed one into the other are called homeomorphic, and are considered to be the same from the topological point of view. The quantity A corresponds to the attributes cha- racterizing the object. It is referred to statistical and qualitative data aspects. It describes the meaning and the magnitude of the data. Theoretically, the variable A includes an unlimited whole of information, differing in contents and sizes (number, string, Boolean, date). The different structure indeed leaves out any correlation, and, in most cases, does not allow various layers to communicate between each other in order to effectuate spatial analysis opera- tions. On the other hand it gives the possibility the use of traditional calculations to compare alphanumeric values. The quantity G, on the contrary, aside from the kind of object which it refers to, maintains the same construction (latitude and longitude) and it gives the possibility to exchange information between layers and the application of new spatial operators, as connection, adjacency or closeness. It is this part of a GIS structure that allows spatial analysis calculations. The approach to the use of a G.I.S. system can be of three types: cartographic, database oriented and analytical. In the first one, G.I.S. is only an interactive contai- ner of maps which can give back and in real time upda- table cartographies. A map-oriented GIS is a display system where each input data set is a raster document and the output is always a new map. The second approach is a management system based on the amount of imported attributes (DBMS, Data Base Management System) which is considered to be the essential part of the project, and onto the operator’s types applicable to analysis between different state- ments. The third one is based on analysis and model operations between implemented data. From this point of view, G.I.S. is a science concerning spatial informa- tion and analysis and not only a simple technology. This approach allows to realize the best from GIS potentiali- ties. In this research we present geomorphosites management with a database and analytical oriented G.I.S. system, in order to take advantage of the poten- tialities of sites for tourist purposes. The quantity G is compiled with coordinates referred to each geo- morphosite, located as vector-punctual datum. The term A is articulated into a sequence of tables, whose structure is the project main element (data base orien- ted). These tables are linked one to another by a pri- mary key (ID field). The analysis is the final step of the project to find the closest facility (referring to anything providing a ser- vice like a geomorphosite, closest to a given location like hotels, roads, museums or other service areas) or to find the best route (the best way to get from one location to another or the best way to visit several loca- tions). 4. THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Every G.I.S. project is made up of three phases: data collection, analysis and management of obtained elaborations. 4.1 Inventory application Collection of the data is the first step to build up a project and therefore its correct evaluation is funda- mental in order to obtain, at the end of the analysis pro- cesses, the desired results. The quality of a project is not directly proportional to the quantity of imported data or to the number of effectuated analysis operations. On the contrary, the choice of initial data has to be limited to the less possi- ble number of cartographic bases and databases requi- red for further elaborations, also taking into account the high expenses for data acquisition. After this stage, a pre-elaboration is carried on, including eventual formats conversion, cartographic bases georeference and pos- sible connections to pre-existing databases. A Digital Elevation Model with pixel resolution 90x90m (Taramelli & Stark; http://geomorph.ldeo. columbia.edu/italy_srtm/2003) has been acquired in the project, covering the entire Umbrian regional territory, a topographic base, with scale 1:25.000 IGM and a road- graphs with the main regional highways. The core of the project is constituted by a total amount of eight tables, on which the following analysis operations have been carried on. Every table is made up of nineteen records (each record corresponds to a registered geomorphosite) and of a varying number of columns. Every record contains an ID (primary key) column, reproducing a progressive number, which is unique for each site. Thanks to this L. Gregori & L. Melelli 289 column, one can elaborate joint operations between statement data in subsequent operations. Each column field has two possible formats: a string, when it con- tains descriptive information related to the same column (e.g. formation type in geology) and numerical, if the information has to be quantified in order to be compared with other fields. In this case the numeric value 1 corresponds to a minimum weight of the expressed datum; 2 has a medium value and 3 a maxi- mum one with a single score criterion based on biblio- graphy and acquired knowledge. For those data to be inserted we have referred to the Italian National Geologic Service forms for the census of geomorphosi- tes on national territory, introducing suitable changes considering this project aims. Tables can be grouped in three main knots: 1) SCIENTIFIC AND IDENTIFICATIVE 2) KIND OF TOURIST INTEREST 3) USE AND VULNERABILITY In the first group information related to localiza- tion of geomorphosites are collected, together with their soundness and scientific typology characteristics. It includes the following tables: A. LOCATION; with columns named: • Toponym (string); • Town council (string); • Province (string); • Region (string); • Latitude (string); • Longitude (string); • Above sea-level quote expressed in meters (numerical); • Area occupied by geomorphosites expressed in square meters (numerical); • IGM table scale 1:25.000 (string); • Link to eventual further additional cartographic bases (string); B. INTEREST LEVEL, the interest level degree of each geo- morphosite with columns named: • World-wide (numerical); • European (numerical); • National (numerical); • Local (numerical); C. GEOLOGY, with columns named: • Prevailing geological formation (string); • Prevailing lithotype (string); • Prevailing formation chronostratigraphic age (string); • Shape formation age (string); D. PROCESSES GENERATING SHAPE, with columns named: • Tectonic (numerical); • Gravitative (numerical); • Fluvial (numerical); • Volcanic (numerical); • Karst (numerical); • Glacial (numerical); • Periglacial (numerical); • Aeolian (numerical); • Marine (numerical); • Anthropic (numerical). Fields have a numerical value from 1 to 3 accor- ding to the importance every process had when the form has been generated. E. PROCESSES MODELLING SHAPE. Fields pattern is like the one reproduced for pro- cesses generating shape. The second group is marked with a single table, but it seems to be the most important to finalize geo- morphosites from a tourist point of view, because it contains information related to better known and usual tourist interests. Numerical values, identifying for each field a minimum and a maximum value, are the results of a careful bibliographic research. The choice of column types has been conditioned by tourist features in Umbria, but it is also possible to modify this number with different typologies for diffe- rent territorial realities. A. OTHER INTEREST, with columns named: • Didactic (numerical); • Cultural and artistic (numerical); • Historical (numerical); • Museums related (numerical); • Hiking (numerical); • Sport (numerical); • Oeno-gastronomic (numerical); • Local craftsmanship (numerical); • Festival and local traditions (numerical). The last group lists informations about the acces- sibility of each geomorphosite and about hosting facili- ties for tourists with different needs. Moreover, one can quantify hazard conditions to which a geomorphosite can be exposed, taking into account a future preserva- tion of the site. Groups of data are made up of two sta- tements: A. USE, with columns named: • Equipped area (numerical); • Practicability (numerical); • Vulnerability level (numerical). B. EXPLOITATION-PRESERVATION, with columns named: • Preservation state (numerical); • Risk of natural deterioration (numerical); • Risk of anthropic deterioration (numerical); • Protection need (numerical). 4.2 Analysis application For this project we have used the software ESRI Arc View 3.3. Using the column of identification codes, which are the same for each statement, it is possible to realize joint operations and queries between tables (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). Tables structure has the purpose of creating new and temporary tables satisfying each tourist needs. Relational DB structure is absolutely the most suitable in this way, allowing the connection of different fields through the common ID, on which one can effectuate specific queries. It is possible to question something like “Select all geomorphosites having an at least natio- nal level of interest, providing with equipped areas of a medium level and having in the closeness interesting oeno-gastronomic routes”. This command is translated into simple algorithms, easy to build through specific tools of relative GIS software. Therefore it is possible to satisfy different tourist profiles. The temporary tables calculated from various queries reflects specific requi- rements. The tourist operators have the possibility to Geotourism and geomorphosites ... 290 L. Gregori & L. Melelli Fig. 4 - Example of table, reproducing different types of interests related to geomorphosites, with numerical score for each cell. Esempio di selezione su tabella riportante i diversi interessi correlati ai geomorfositi con valori numerici in ogni cella. Fig. 5 - Example of query to locate geomorphosites with value, related to the presence of excursion and partly eno-gastronomical rou- tes. Yellow pointed out records represent geomorphosites satisfying this query. Esempio di interrogazione volta all’individuazione dei geomorfositi con medio -alto valore eno-gastronomico e alto valore escursionisti- co. I records contrassegnati in giallo rappresentano i geomorfositi in grado di soddisfare l’interrogazione. select only the fields linked to tourist request interests (Fig. 5). It is possible, in this way, to create temporary tables referred only to some specific geomorphosites. These geomorphosites have their specific attributes regarding scientific value and location, but above all, they have specific characteristics that satisfy the tourist interests, like cltural-artistic or oeno-gastronomic tar- gets. It is possible to induce a larger number of tourists to visit geomorphosites if they know that they can find in the same places, traditional tourists attractions. But operations of “selection”, “connection” and “query” on statements can be developed by any pro- gram of DB management. The added value of a GIS system is, in this specific case, the capacity of positio- ning the obtained results on georeferenced maps (selected geomorphosites). Moreover, the importation of the project road-graphs, permits to build real routes to be inserted into tourism proposals, without forcing the visitor to follow pre-packaged and in some cases far away from his own interests trips. Network analysis tools in different GIS allow to find the best route and the closest facility to a service areas. By finding the best route it is possible to plan the visits to several locations and the related closest services. In figure 6 it is possible to observe the best routes between several geomorphosites (in blue) or the shortest road (in red). 4.3 Management system In this phase generally thematic charts, carto- grams, diagrams, graphics and statistics, and descripti- ve reports are produced to support decisional projects of future administrations. In the case of geomorphosi- tes, final output aims to determine, on cartographic base (and therefore immediately receivable from touri- sts) sets of selected sites. Cartographic base can show several itineraries linking different sites and containing a set of additional information. The legend enclosed in each map can be “widen” in several ways, showing information otherwise implicit on a simple paper support. 5. CONCLUSION Geotourism is taking its first steps both in Italy and abroad. Recently cultural standard of medium tou- rists is increasing and therefore new realities like geosi- tes/geomorphosites can be the object of a new interest. Routes conjugating morphologic characters and tourist interests give the opportunity to convey a wider tourist user to geomorphosites zones. Particularly the new approach to geotourism starting from G.I.S. is founded on geographic nature of geomorphosites and contemporary on the supporting structure of G.I.S. systems, that permits to implement a project, oriented to the management of attributes of these sites. Typical operations of geographic informative systems allow, in this way, to obtain personalized destinations and routes collecting tourists’ interests, and at the same time, more scientific information about the sites. Considering the fact that G.I.S. systems are growing fast both in private and in administrative sec- tor, that they can manage a theoretically endless num- ber of information and can correlate new and traditional cartography, it is evident the utility of biasing the research towards this field. 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