Methods for mapping geomorphosites

Compared with research carried out in the fields of geomorphosite assessment, classification and promotion, geomorphosite mapping has not received the same consideration in the past. Today, scientists from different European countries are engaged in geomorphosite mapping and the awareness that maps are valuable from many standpoints is increasing. Indeed, maps can provide fundamental data for detailed geomorphosite description, serve as visual communication tools helping to guide the selection process to define protection priority or support Earth heritage promotion and interpretation.On the basis of Carton’s classification (Carton et al. 2005) of maps for specialists and maps for non-specialists, this chapter reviews both the main mapping achievements and the objectives yet to be accomplished. Several examples of scientific and geotourism maps are then presented and analysed to provide the reader with an insight of the different map types and mapping options available.Making maps always implies to take a series of decisions, be it about print options or the way information is best shown. The various purposes geomorphosite maps can serve, the diversity of geomorphological and geological contexts in which geomorphosites can occur and the variety of potential map uses makes the proposition of a standardised mapping methodology impossible if not meaningless. Nevertheless, it is possible to portray a methodological approach with common guiding principles. A table presents the major mapping components with a short description of guiding principles which should be considered in the mapping process. The key for good maps, lies in the ability to adapt the product to the map reading skills of the potential users. Especially in the field of geotourism, studies about the effectiveness of maps already produced have yet to be carried out.