Imageability of Geo-Mining Heritage. Case Study of Nebida Settlement, Geo-Mining Park Sardinia (Italy)

With respect to the scale of observation and the low-urbanized context, this paper argues perceptual qualities that help the interpretation of heritage settings experienced by walking. Focused on physical environmental indicators and aesthetic qualities to be used in Geo-mining heritage settings, the paper redefined qualities of visual impact from previous findings including geometric features of a path (profile and edges) and imageability as comprehensive perceptual quality. Selected indicators were implemented at two selected routes in the ex-mining settlement of Nebida. Results demonstrated relationships between indicators of path geometry and of imageability; the more complex geometry, the more diverse imageability and experience of walking. Moreover, in the case of Nebida, a planned and maintained route offers a less direct and variable experience of Geo-mining heritage than an informal track beaten by hikers.