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Geodiversity and Geoheritage to Promote Geotourism Using Augmented Reality and 3D Virtual Flights in the Arosa Estuary (NW Spain)

Authors :
Antonio Martínez-Graña
José Angel González-Delgado
Carlos Nieto
Vanessa Villalba
Teresa Cabero
Source :
Land, Vol 12, Iss 5, p 1068 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Geoheritage constitutes a natural resource that promotes sustainable rural tourism by creating employment and activities that allow population settlement in unpopulated areas with great natural heritage. The objective of this work is to value the singularity and variety of the geosites, which show a wide geodiversity, with lithological, geomorphological, tectonic and natural process diversity (fluvial, coastal, sedimentary, etc.). In the “Arosa estuary” (Galicia, Spain), seven Geosites have been identified, described and valued, determining their scientific, educational and tourist-recreational potential and obtaining values between 565 and 660 points. The state of conservation and risk of degradation is analyzed in order to proceed with their geoconservation, promoting sustainable geo-tourism. The values of degradation susceptibility range between 0.03 and 3 points, and anthropic degradation between 0.33 and 1.73 points. A 3D virtual itinerary is made using Google Earth, implementing descriptive sheets, interpreted diagrams and photographs, and analysis of the geological processes. An interactive virtual flight is presented for academic and tourist purposes to promote geotourism. The virtual tour also has geomatic didactic elements: geoapp and georeferenced thematic cartographies. These resources are helpful for the unknown geoheritage of the population that lives or visits the “Arosa estuary”, favoring sustainable development and fostering attitudes and skills of respect for nature.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2073445X
Volume :
12
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Land
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.6264f542085f4918884d62fb968ac01d
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051068