Interpretive tours
Introduction
Heritage interpretation refers to all the ways in which information is communicated to visitors to an educational center, natural or recreational site, such as a museum, park or scientific exhibition. More specifically it is the communication of information about, or the explanation of the nature, origin and purpose of historical, natural, cultural resources, objects, sites and phenomena, using personal or non-personal methods. Some international authorities in museology prefer to use the term mediation for the same concept, following usage in other European languages.[1].
There are different types of interpretive spaces or scenarios. The interpretive spaces are based on the framework of the discipline of Interpretation of cultural and environmental heritage. The definitions have been changing until reaching a set of concepts that are in the process of analysis and their own techniques. Therefore, there are different definitions about the interpretation of heritage, each of them reflecting priorities, concerns or experiences of the working groups and different interpretive techniques according to the various circumstances, regional scenarios.[2].
The different types of interpretive spaces and settings are: environmental, artistic, cultural, urban, tourist and recreational.[1][3] Heritage Interpretation can be carried out in interpretation centers") or in museums, historical sites, parks, art galleries, nature centers, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, nature reserves and other sites that house heritage. Its modalities can be extremely varied and can include guided tours, talks, plays, visitor service points, exhibitions, signs, labels, artwork, brochures, interactives, audio guides and audiovisual media. The process of developing a structured approach to interpreting these stories, messages and information is called interpretive planning. The thematic interpretation of heritage developed by Professor Sam Ham of the University of Idaho is considered best practice by the US National Association for Interpretation, the US National Park Service and others.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].
Among those who practice this particular form of communication can be found park rangers, guides, naturalists, actors (who can represent characters wearing even the typical clothing of a historical period), museum curators, specialists in natural and cultural interpretation, heritage communicators, volunteers, educators, visitor services personnel, interpreters or a host of different training. The interpretation process is often assisted with new technologies such as forms of visualization.[13].