Visual convincing of intangible cultural relationships using maps: A case study of the Tongariro National Park World Heritage nomination dossier

New Zealand successfully leveraged maps and GIS to visually represent intangible cultural relationships at Tongariro National Park, aiding its UNESCO World Heritage nomination. By integrating scientific data with Māori narratives and symbols, the country made abstract connections tangible and geographically visible, aligning with UNESCO’s cartographic guidelines. The study analyzes archival materials from the park's nomination dossier, housed in Paris, to demonstrate how GIS tools can bridge cultural and spatial dimensions in heritage conservation. This approach offers a model for future World Heritage nominations, emphasizing the power of cartography in storytelling and evidence-based advocacy.

Palmer, M. H., & Feyerherm, A. (2018). Visual convincing of intangible cultural relationships using maps: A case study of the Tongariro National Park World Heritage nomination dossier. Canadian Geographies / Géographies Canadiennes, 62(1), 81–92. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/cag.12439