Enhancing the Interpretation of Industrial Heritage and Cultural Landscape of Iwami Ginzan through Digital Technologies

Abstract. Iwami Ginzan, as a representative World Heritage site of Japan in the category of industrial and cultural landscapes, has multiple and diverse heritage elements that are rich in value but difficult to present as a whole. This study explores how digital technologies can enhance the interpretation of Iwami Ginzan's heritage values by analyzing challenges across three key dimensions: value recognition, information organization, and dissemination and presentation. Based on field investigations and the application of digital tools, the study proposes a three-tiered proposal: (1) constructing a virtual exhibition of the World Heritage Center to support pre-visit engagement; (2) positioning the Heritage Center as a narrative hub linking multiple heritage components; (3) utilizing various digital technologies to strengthen on-site interpretation. This study demonstrates the applicability of digital data acquisition tools and explores how museums and heritage sites can be digitally integrated through dissemination strategies. The findings offer both theoretical insight and technical references for future interpretation practices of cultural landscape heritage.