Guidelines for geomorphological sites mapping: examples from Italy

This paper deals with mapping geomorphosites on the basis of studies carried out in Italy in order to develop geomorphological maps useful for the identification, selection and assessment of geomorphosites, and to create archive maps which can give the public access to information on these subjects. Emphasis is placed on two fundamental points for the implementation of Geomorphosite maps, i.e. map scale and archive techniques. In particular, the latter are presented through some examples in Italy (Sommo fluvial terrace in the Po Plain, glacial landforms in Adamello Natural Park in the Alps of Lombardy) using both traditional maps and digital georeferenced archives. The use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is acquiring ever-increasing importance, as it allows useful elaborations, continuous updating of data and easy interaction with the final user. The guidelines for geomorphosite mapping described in this paper have been experimented and assessed in geologically and morphologically different areas. This has produced an important means of communication involving not only specialists but also a large number of users among the general public who are interested in geoconservation. Therefore, the main goal in mapping geomorphosites is to provide the user with immediate perception of an object, regarding its distribution within a territory, and representation of landforms.