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

Antonio Martínez-Graña, José Angel González-Delgado (), Carlos Nieto, Vanessa Villalba and Teresa Cabero
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Antonio Martínez-Graña: Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
José Angel González-Delgado: Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
Carlos Nieto: Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
Vanessa Villalba: Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
Teresa Cabero: Department of Statistics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 5, 1-19

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.

Keywords: geoheritage; geosites; 3D itinerary; Google Earth; Arosa estuary; Spain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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