Tree Mediators: Digital Narration of Arboreal Heritage

We present a methodology for digitally narrating the heritage of trees by integrating tangible and intangible elements into immersive virtual environments. Current methods for documenting tree heritage often focus on either the biological traits of a tree or its cultural aspects, with limited attempts to synthesize both. Our approach harnesses multimedia to reveal the many dimensions of a heritage tree, resulting in what we term a "Tree Mediator"—a dynamic, interactive model that bridges the ecological and cultural narratives of arboreal heritage. The methodology comprises five stages: tree selection, data collection, data processing, virtual environment development, and interactive tree narration. This framework incorporates tools such as 3D scanning, archival research, and gaming engine-based environments to create immersive, multi-dimensional representations of heritage trees. The methodology was tested on several heritage trees in a Mediterranean landscape, with three examples discussed in detail. The results demonstrate that the proposed integration of digital tools offers a novel way to document and experience the complex significance of heritage trees, fostering new modes of interaction with these living monuments.