Methodology for mapping Intangible Cultural Heritage through webGIS integral platforms. La Fontanalla neighbourhood as a case study

Abstract

[EN] The identification and cataloguing of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) was defined in Paris Convention by UNESCO (2003). However, it is difficult to identify and map this type of heritage in the territory due to the lack of consensus to establish a common representation methodology. Similar technological platforms identify and geolocate the stakeholders concerned about the safeguarding and transmission of this kind of heritage, with the aim of putting together memories from each heritage item, but not the direct relationship with the specific site. This research focuses on a methodology for mapping ICH through webGIS platforms on a local scale, taking into account the following issue: the intangible elements as an attribute related with other heritage categories. This is achieved by collecting the memories of each resource generated by agents involved —citizenship and associations— and its relationship with the physical environment —tangible cultural heritage: architecture, landscape...—. In this way, the sum of related items allows to identify the connection between ICH and territory. This method has been tested in La Fontanalla neighbourhood through Malaka_net webGIS: a comprehensive platform which shows data sheets about every cultural heritage item from Malaga city. This tool allows cultural heritage to be categorized into different material heritage types —architecture, landscape, archaeology, street furniture and urban pattern— and immaterial ones. The holistic meaning between these categories makes possible to link them through the same attribute: intangible value.