GISOrto

The creation of a digital database of the Botanical Garden's outdoor plant heritage, using a GIS (Geographical Information System), was the starting point for the development of a web app, which is virtually unique among botanical gardens. Data was collected for 4,000 individuals, including their georeferencing, and the foundations were laid for a complete picture of the consistency of the greenery and its distribution.

The Botanical Garden has 4,003 individuals in the ground belonging to 1,847 specific and infraspecific taxa. Specifically, there are 166 families, 616 genera, 1,507 species, 19 subspecies, 86 varieties, 6 forms and 56 nototaxa. Of these 166 families, the most represented are the Arecaceae, confirming the suitability of Palermo's climate for plants of tropical and subtropical origin; the Rutaceae, which constitute a historic collection of citrus fruits of great importance; and the Cycadaceae, demonstrating the great work of reconversion of some areas of the garden with valuable collections.

The map of the Botanical Garden and the distribution of its plants is now available on the web and can be consulted from any device, including mobile devices.

The web app allows visitors to the Garden to find their way around and “navigate” among the species. Using the gyroscope and GPS on smartphones and tablets, it is possible to locate oneself along the paths and, by clicking on the coloured circles, discover the name, family and geographical origin of the species near one's position; alternatively, one can search for a specific plant, locate it on the map and reach it with the help of the navigator.