3D Printing, a Tool for Raising Geoheritage Awareness in the Causses du Quercy UNESCO Global Geopark, France

Abstract

One of the main missions of the Geoparks is to sensibilize the inhabitants of the protected territories to the rich geoheritage that surrounds them through numerous educational activities, such as guided tours of geological sites, thematic workshops on Quercy paleontology, or training courses for schoolchildren and professionals. However, it can sometimes be difficult to convey important concepts and information without adapted educational material. The paleontological heritage of the Geopark UNESCO Causses du Quercy is extremely rich, but also extremely fragile, with many unique and precious fossils that are difficult to valorize. 3D printing of these exceptional pieces after being scanned is an efficient method to overcome this problem. 3D printing is now regularly used in educational operations on the geopark territory. In a span of a year, we have already observed several positive outcomes from the use of these prints. In particular, the public, both scholars and general public, is more receptive and more active during the educational activities offered by the Geopark teams, and the information is thus more easily transmitted. Also, the prints allow us to illustrate concepts or information that is otherwise more difficult to explain. Finally, this technique allows us to put a fragile and previously inaccessible geoheritage within reach of everyone, which is an ideal window to make the public understand its value and richness.