Geological-Geomorphological and Paleontological Heritage in the Algarve (Portugal) Applied to Geotourism and Geoeducation

Abstract

A 3D virtual geological route on Digital Earth of the geological-geomorphological and paleontological heritage in the Algarve (Portugal) is presented, assessing the geological heritage of nine representative geosites. Eighteen quantitative parameters are used, weighing the scientific, didactic and cultural tourist interest of each site. A virtual route has been created in Google Earth, with overlaid georeferenced cartographies, as a field guide for students to participate and improve their learning. This free application allows loading thematic georeferenced information that has previously been evaluated by means of a series of parameters for identifying the importance and interest of a geosite (scientific, educational and/or tourist). The virtual route allows travelling from one geosite to another, interacting in real time from portable devices (e.g., smartphone and tablets), and thus making possible the ability to observe the relief and spatial geological distribution with representative images, as well as to access files with the description and analysis of each geosite. By using a field guide, each geosite is complemented with activities for carrying out and evaluating what has been learned; these resources allow a teaching–learning process where the student is an active part of the development and creation of content using new technologies that provide more entertaining and educational learning, teamwork and interaction with social networks. This itinerary allows the creation of attitudes and skills that involve geoconservation as an element for sustainable development.