Digital Tools for Collection, Promotion and Visualisation of Geoscientific Data: Case Study of Seguret Valley (Piemonte, NW Italy)

Abstract

The work presented here forms part of a cultural and scientific context for the continuous improvement of computer sciences to support geological and geomorphological research, by allowing the development and application of specific tools and innovative methodologies. Cooperation between the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences of Torino and the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Torino has facilitated the development and implementation of a methodology aimed at the identification and evaluation of the geological and geomorphological heritage of the Piemonte region. The methodological steps applied are described in full in a case study of Seguret Valley (Piemonte, NW Italy). The employment of geomatic tools, such as digital photogrammetry, geographical information systems (GIS) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS), has allowed the production of a geomorphological map of the area and the identification, listing and selection of the most representative and important sites. Terrestrial laser scanner (LiDAR), although currently used for demonstration purposes, has the potential to be used in the identification of potential risks associated with the enjoyment of the site by the public. Web Mapping tools based on GoogleMaps© architecture have also been set up for the web dissemination of geoscientific information—appropriately simplified without prejudicing accuracy—in enable as broad an audience as possible to be reached.