Methodologies for cultural heritage mapping in historic landscapes : a case study on Malta’s northwestern coastline

Abstract

This research addresses the need for effective mapping methods to identify and document both tangible and intangible cultural heritage and their values. The study is applied to a case study area on Malta's northwestern coastline. The approach involves the identification, description and critical assessment, including SWOT analyses, of six established methods. The most suitable methodfor mapping cultural heritage in Malta is subsequently selected. The results are presented in two phases. Phase 1 introduces the selected methods in a final method statement. A combination of methods is employed, including the LandMap cultural landscape layer, LandMap historical layer, Historic Environmental Record, and Cultural Values Model. This combination provides a characterisation of the entire landscape, focusing on history and cultural landscape, with precise mapped data of cultural values and associations held by the general public and historical heritage. The second phase presents the methodology and results of the selected methods. Data is acquired through fieldwork, archival and literature research, and public participation to implement the four layers in the case study area. The GIS Project maps are then presented. The implementation has demonstrated that the combination of LandMap, HER, and CVM offers a holistic approach to mapping cultural heritage and their values in Malta's northwestern coastline. The use of GIS enable layering and working with the layers to gain further insights into the cultural significance and relationships. Some limitations of the layers have been exposed, leading to recommendations for future research, such as enhancing the HER data, addressing challenges with CVM density, and promoting public participation for a more inclusive mapping process.