Augmented Reality as a Tool for Promoting the Tourist Value of the Geological Heritage Around Natural Filming Locations: a Case Study in “Sad Hill” (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Movie, Burgos, Spain)

Abstract

Some natural scenes of films shooting contain landscapes and other elements that are part of the geological heritage, representing an added value for the growing cultural tourism that visits them. In the SE of Burgos province (Spain), near some filming locations of the classic western movie directed by Sergio Leone (1966), “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, we have assessed the Geological Heritage of 6 selected sites: (1) Dinosaur tracks; (2) Paleo-river structures preserved; (3) Fossil trees; (4) Sad Hill; (5) Marine Cretaceous fossils; and (6) La Yecla Gorge. Their tourist-cultural, scientific and educational values range from 775 points in La Yecla Gorge site to 450 in Marine Cretaceous fossils site. A virtual tour is presented implementing Augmented Reality on Google Earth with detailed but easily understanding descriptive information of each site, suggested activities for tourism and a free geoapp. The proposed technologies can enhance geotourism, favouring sustainable development and fostering attitudes and skills related to the tourist’s respect for nature.