The Hiking and Geotourist Map of the Apuan Alps: a new tool to get to know the Geopark

The Apuan Alps Geopark has produced a new Hiking and Geotourist Map enabling tourists to discover the scientific and environmental significance of the geological and geomorphological features while trekking in the Apuan Alps. The Map, which includes two double printed sheets on a scale of 1:20.000, with keys in two languages (Italian and English), was derived from a GIS project combining geological, hiking and tourist information. The information provided includes the main roads and the very extensive network of trails represented by more than 600 km of footpaths managed by the Alpine Club of Italy. In order to disseminate scientifically correct information to a non-specialist audience and to workers in the territory, the geological features have been simplified following two main parameters: The age of the rocks exposed on the surface (Paleozoic Era and Periods for rocks of post-Paleozoic age) and their basic classification (e.g. sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks). The 253 sites included in the Geopark's Inventory of Geosites, have also been highlighted in the key of the simplified geological map. They are categorized by clear symbols (points, lines, areas) which facilitate an immediate understanding of the nature of each geological site. The tourist facilities (including mountain huts, museums, visitor centres and information points) are additional components of the Hiking and Geotourist Map of the Apuan Alps. Facilities certified by the Park Authority for their eco-friendly choices, are highlighted with a special label.