Appreciating Geology in the Urban Environment

Abstract

Geotourism is a rapidly expanding form of natural area tourism with increasing attention being paid to the appreciation of landscapes where interesting landforms and rock outcrops can be viewed and visited. Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags are an iconic part of the Edinburgh cityscape. There are a number of challenges in regard to simultaneously protecting and promoting geoheritage in urban environments. Many authors have reported that geoconservation and public awareness are vital precursors before geotourism can be fully implemented in the urban environment. It was recognised more than 20 years ago that urban geoheritage and geotourism need to be linked in with floral and faunal amenities, history, archaeology and culture. Today many aspects of these factors have now been fully incorporated as a part of geotourism more broadly, as well as in the urban environment. Geotourism in the urban environment offers the tourist an opportunity to learn about the composition of the Earth and the processes that shape it.