New Technologies for Accessibility and Enhancement of Cultural Heritage Sites. The Archaeological Areas of Locride

Abstract

The paper is the second phase of an applied research study in the framework of evaluation of impacts in the enhancement and promotion of cultural sites by the use of new technologies. The study investigates the existing characteristics of use and the level of accessibility in the archaeological sites of the Locride Area of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. The main aim is to define the advantages of adoption of digital tools evaluating their impacts in a management system and in the offer of services to the use; these tools can play important roles in experiencing (physical accessibility) and comprehending (perceptual accessibility) culture and heritage defining a satisfactory level of accessibility in order to encourage new promotion and management practices. New technologies and innovation are important vehicles for disseminating cultural values; they attract new visitors and enhance their knowledge about heritage. Recognising their enabling role as a driver for cultural sustainability, this study aims to investigate the use of digital tools as a very common and widespread medium of accessing heritage and supporting cultural tourism.