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Topical - Geoheritage
further interpretation of the cultural diversity
that has been transmitted over the millennia,
until you get a result unique in the
world and particularly emphasized in painting
and literature. Environmental analysis
carried out using the paradigm of landscape
ecology essentially consists of four methodological
approaches: numerical “sensu
strictu”, spatial, multi-scalar and modelling.
Much of the information required to
undertake environmental assessment and
planning has a spatial component, therefore
the best way to acquire and implement this
information is through GIS and Remote
Sensing.
Remote Sensing methods, particularly,
supervised by field controls, play a primary
role in these kinds of multi-scale landscape
studies. By integrating information about
the geomorphology and the land use of
a region, it is possible to analyze the link
between landscape shapes and the socioeconomical
development of an area.
Geosciences popularization
The study of the landscape is a complex
process: integrating all the components of
the studied system: its geomorphology, its
landscape ecology and its cultural aspects
Figure 4: Sicily Landscape Physiographic Unit
Map, scale 1:250.000.
must represent a new way to reach a complete
comprehension of the landscape
through a holistic approach that considers
and integrates all the components of the
studied system.
In recent years, a new theoretical
approach to Earth Sciences integrates
nature and culture, offering new powerful
tools for educational programmes and
a new dialogue between researchers and
territorial managers. It is essential to try a
new kind of popularization of scientific heritage,
in order to involve the whole society
in a common action towards a sustainable
territorial management. The link between
Earth, landscape and wine, for example, is
a link between nature and culture.
A path through landscapes is a path
through the Earth Sciences. A possible
new approach is proposed here, trying to
Figure 5: Siracusa “Ear of Dionysius” Cave.
integrate the complex aspects of the landscapes
and the historical development of
some areas of special interest, in order to
involve the public, using special media:
nature, culture, sports will be useful tools
for the modern geologist.
The characterization of natural and cultural
heritage in film
A well-known Italian TV serial, “Il Commissario
Montalbano” (“Inspector Montalbano”);
has been adapted from the novels
of the Sicilian writer Andrea Camilleri,
known to millions of readers and fans. One
of the characters, Cesare Bocci, is a geologist
with an important role in the fiction:
this combination gave us the idea of using
film to popularize our natural and cultural
heritage. The stories are set in Sicily, in such
World Heritage Sites as Noto Valley, Ragusa
Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Agrigento, Siracusa and
the Aeolian Islands.
The landscapes and the archaeological
sites in the film are spectacular and very
significant components of the Italian natural
and cultural heritage. The landscape,
in particular, as a component of the movie
location, offers new communication codes
to spread scientific knowledge. In many episodes
of the series, the geological arrangement
of the landscape is an important component
in the dramatization. The natural
scenography lends a special significance:
the local population, as well as tourists
recognize the area and can better appreciate
its value. Communicating natural and
cultural heritage through film and fiction
could represent a new way to involve the
public in appreciating the landscape and
to promote eco-tourism and sustainable
development in Italy (Fig. 4-7).
Figure 6: Landscape of Erice – Sicilia region.
Figure 7: A sample of the GIS – Landscape physiographic Units of Erice -sc
1: 250.000.
European Geologist 34 | November 2012
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