Collaborative Mapping of Endangered Cultural Heritage to Promote Sustainable Cities

Abstract

The preservation of cultural heritage is a crucial component of sustainable urban and territorial development. This study explores the role of collaborative mapping as both a pedagogical and civic tool for raising awareness about heritage conservation and promoting sustainable spatial citizenship. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates how students and local communities engage with geospatial technologies to document, assess, and propose solutions for at-risk heritage sites. The research is structured at two different scales: a national study across Spain and a localized case study in Zaragoza. The integration of collaborative mapping in educational settings not only enhances spatial and geographic competencies but also fosters a more critical and participatory approach to urban sustainability. This study demonstrates that digital geolocation tools can be leveraged for active heritage conservation, transforming citizens as agents of change. The results underscore the importance of interdisciplinary methodologies that connect geographic education, heritage studies, and civic engagement for the sustainable management of cultural assets.