The study of the contribution of explorers-travelers to the formation of the heritage of the Altai Krai and the Altai Republic by means of GIS technology

The paper considers possibilities of geoinformation technology tools use for studying and updating the contribution of researchers-travelers to the formation of historical, cultural and scientific heritage of the Altai Krai and the Altai Republic in 18–19 centuries. Inevitably the heritage is a valuable resource for development of cultural, social and scientific component of the society. There is an urgent need to study and actualize historical heritage, find optimal ways of its adaptation to changing tendencies and demands of today. The theme of promoting heritage in the development of domestic educational tourism is a popular one. Recreation has long ceased to be seen only as passive, there is a growing interest in cognitive tourism. Each region seeks to preserve and present its historical and cultural peculiarities, connections with outstanding personalities, to assess their contribution to the development of the territory. Geographic information systems (GIS) are the main tool of this study. They have functions of displaying information in a visual form, as well as allow a comprehensive and systematic storage and processing of data in a spatial and temporal context. Geoinformation mapping in the study and actualization of personal contribution to the study of the region will allow to establish travel routes, research discoveries, collections, publications, which in the 18–19 centuries contributed to the study of the territory of the Altai Krai and the Altai Republic. These territories are united by a common rich past. A new look at the heritage will allow to develop research knowledge about the history and culture of the regions as well as undoubtedly contribute to the development and enrichment of tourist products.