Page 1089 - Proceedings Collega2023

growth with the imperative to protect the nation's natural landscapes and cultural heritage. One of the
notable examples of the integration of geospatial and socio-spatial mapping in Malaysia is the Integrated
Heritage Database System via Penang Smart Mapping. This initiative, supported by the George Town World
Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) and Esri Malaysia, utilises GIS and ethnographic research to map and
document intangible cultural heritage elements within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site (Esri
Malaysia, 2015). The project engages local communities, scholars, and cultural practitioners to ensure the
preservation of traditions, rituals, and oral histories that are intrinsically tied to the urban landscape.
Furthermore, the Malaysian government, in collaboration with organisations like the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), has undertaken projects that employ geospatial and socio-spatial
mapping to address sustainable development goals. The Malaysia Sustainable Cities Program, for instance,
employs geospatial data to plan urban development while integrating socio-spatial mapping to account
for community needs and cultural heritage preservation (UNDP Malaysia, 2021).

Literature Review

Mapping landscape resources or natural heritage is necessary for determining its potential for
recreation and ecosystem services. Geospatial maps can be created to illustrate the ecosystem service
supply given by natural heritage by incorporating recreational potential and accessibility (Ihtimanski et al.,
2020). Furthermore, socio-spatial mapping can help to tie cultural heritage in an interconnected manner
(Yunus et al., 2021). This method aids in the compilation and connection of heritage assets rich in cultural
resources and personalities. There has been a growing emphasis on the utilisation of advanced geospatial
technologies for landscape resource and cultural heritage preservation. Recent studies (Huo et al., 2021;
González-Amuchastegui & Cañadas, 2018) have highlighted the transformative impact of high-resolution
satellite imagery, LiDAR, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools in mapping and monitoring
changes in land use, vegetation cover, and terrain. These technologies enable precise spatial analysis,
aiding in the identification of vulnerable areas and the development of effective conservation strategies.
Geospatial mapping is critical for the preservation of landscape resources and places history. It allows for
the detection and evaluation of diverse landscape characteristics as well as their significance. Santoro et
al. (2020) conducted a study with the use of GIS in Italy which evaluates tourists' perceptions of the
traditional agricultural landscape. The findings revealed that tourists preferred spatial historic landscapes,
highlighting the necessity of preserving them.

Socio-spatial mapping has gained prominence as an essential complement to traditional
geospatial approaches. It is considered a valuable tool for community development and planning, as it
raises awareness of the community's heritage and cultural resources (Besmonte et al., 2022). It provides
valuable information for conservation planning, development, and legislation. This type of mapping also
underscores the significance of integrating qualitative sociocultural data with geospatial information.
Socio-spatial mapping facilitates the identification of culturally significant sites, understanding community
narratives, and the development of preservation strategies that respect local traditions and values
(Sánchez-Aparicio et al., 2020).

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page 1076