Geographic Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors for Industrial Heritage Sites in Italy Based on GIS

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of industrial legacy, considering its social, economic, and environmental aspects, is crucial for its preservation. This study scrutinizes 120 industrial heritage sites, investigating spatial–temporal patterns and influential factors. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for the conservation and management of the Italian industrial heritage. (1) The research underscores Italy’s industrial legacy’s tendency for clustering and uneven dispersion, prominently concentrated in the northern regions while notably sparse in the south. (2) Geographical advantages, a history of advanced industrialization, higher economic levels, greater population density, and supportive policies foster a concentration of industrial development and greater diversity of heritage types in the North. (3) The recommendations advocate for tailored conservation and management strategies tailored to the distinct characteristics of Italian industrial history. These strategies advocate for increased public involvement, reinforced legislative protection, and the promotion of tourism and cultural education to sustainably develop heritage assets. The findings and methodologies of this study can effectively identify the causes of the formation of the Italian industrial heritage, thereby offering a broader perspective to bolster its preservation and administration. It also provides a valuable reference for global industrial heritage preservation and management strategies.