Non-destructive methods and GIS technologies for spatial planning strategies in mining areas

The focus of the paper is on the relationship between conservation and spatial planning in mining areas, where visual characters and underground activities shape the territory. The research about the evolution of mining landscapes enables to recognize the value of the architectonic and environmental heritage in the world of today and tomorrow. Non-destructive technologies can play a key role in order to develop correct planning actions, both horizontally within local organizations and also within the different tiers of government. The district of Bacu Abis (Carbonia) in south-western Sardinia (Italy) has been investigated in order to find ancient-modern connections between the mining exploitation and its urban development across the last two centuries. The analysis has been focused on the possibility of integrating historical information with results of field surveys in order to support spatial planning strategies.