The use of a Geographical Information System to identify and valorize some pathways along the "Herculia Way"

During the Middle Ages, the main linking route between northern and southern Europe was created. It was crossed by merchants, armies and pilgrims: the Francigena Way. A minor branch of this route, continued in the direction of Jerusalem through the Southern Italy, passing through the actual “Parco Nazionale Appennino Lucano Val d'Agri Lagonegrese” within the Basilicata Region, took in this area the historical name of "Herculia Way". This old route retraced the old and key arterial street built by the Romans during the third century B.C. and joined the Sannio area with the Lucania region. This ancient way, and in particular some important elements present along its path, hidden from the changes imposed during time by man and nature, are here the subject of interest. The present study is focused on its surrounding environment and landscape, with a particular interest on the natural, archaeological, historical and artistic resources present along the Herculia Way, referring also to buildings as historical farms, small villages, parks, protected areas, etc., that are present along the road. An analysis based on the implementation of a Geographical Information System enabled one possible promotion strategy for the enhancement of the historical and cultural heritage aimed at encouraging the development and creation of itineraries that can form the basis for proper planning and territorial management. The aim of this paper consists in an analysis aimed to the development of this ancient route for tourism purposes, in order to valorize it for new possible cultural, religious, environmental and touristic activities. In order to promote communication and to contribute to an enhancement of this heritage of culture and traditions, an innovative network through GPS survey was realized, entering this geographical information within a GIS database specially designed. This database together with the realization of a Web-GIS, will also have a management function, allowing to plan itineraries, showing the altimetry profile and some points where it is possible to appreciate the landscape quality.