Tools and Methods Used to Represent Geological Processes and Geosites: Graphic and Animated Media as a Means to Popularize the Scientific Content and Value of Geoheritage

Abstract

Pictures and cartoons are a key tool for increasing the public’s awareness of geoheritage, natural resources, and sustainable development. These graphics can provide attractive and educational ways to present information in an accessible fashion, lying between the two extremes of a traditional approach using beautiful photographic illustrations and an academic approach with overly scientific descriptions. GEOLOGrafis is a small private company that develops graphic communication tools to promote regions and geoheritage projects. It aims to answer specific needs from public or private concerns by means of an integrated approach. GEOLOGrafis fights for the idea that these representations are not an ordinary activity that would be in the scope of any graphist or infographist. It requires a combination of the following three skills: an understanding of the geological concepts; design skills and a grasp of animation software programs; and an understanding of pedagogy and popularization in order to measure the right transmission of the geological notions. Throughout the production process, a collaborative approach is used so as to remain in touch with the contractor’s demands. We present here several examples of projects carried out for various public audiences, using different types of presentation and used to illustrate the decision-making process involved during production and the application of the three skills described above. The gap between the available resources and issues of such a work demonstrates that there is a wide field of reflection and a place for new skill of mediation, in the crucial domain of geoheritage popularization, geosciences, and sustainable development.