Introduction to perceptions mapping: the case of Salerno, Italy

Abstract

Perceptions mapping is a sense-making process during which people map their cultural, natural and human assets; express their opinions, ideas, needs and aspirations but also; raise concerns and highlight conflicts related to the management, conservation and preservation of the cultural capital for future generations. The mapping is carried out through the five senses and with the help of a physical map. Departing from the perceptions, the collective memory of what a place was to the community arises. Likewise, diverging and/or converging perspectives emerge in reference to what it is today and above all, how the community would like it to be in the future. Perceptions mapping demonstrated to be a very useful tool not only to map tangible heritage but also to resuscitate and reinstate on the map the intangible heritage assets. This paper retraces and presents the mapping process which was carried out in the city of Salerno in Italy.