Interactive Cartography as a Mechanism for the Construction and Rescue of the Historic Environment. Practical Case: the Rascaña Canal

We use current technology and contemporary reading methods to decipher and reveal cartographies that run the risk of disappearing into the landscape. Technology has facilitated the streamlining of space and time, resulting in the reduction of its magnitudes, as well as uniformity in urban geography. Given the propensity for the data visualisation, we consider it is opportune to show and rescue data that were key in times gone by. Reconciliation with our territory can help us developing new narratives and contributing to the shaping of a cartography with contemporary concerns and interests. This article presents an investigation of the landscape associated with the water system used in the Valencian orchards and agricultural area. This extensive water system is of considerable historical and cultural relevance. Specifically, we will focus on the Rascaña irrigation canal, one of the eight canals that formed the layout of the city and its surroundings, through studying and analysing the route the canal takes. We have made several field recordings to collect data for the route, with geotagged photographs, together with the subsequent completion of an interactive application showing the photographic route of the canal.