Communicating Seascape Rock Art Heritage through ArcGIS StoryMaps: Case Study Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Hermawan1*, Abdul Razak Macap1, and Muh. Alif2,3

Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua contains a number of rock art sites that constitute an important component of Eastern Indonesia’s prehistoric cultural heritage. These sites occur within a distinctive seascape context, located on karst cliffs directly facing the marine environment, in contrast to the predominantly terrestrial settings where most rock art sites are typically found. Despite their uniqueness, knowledge of Raja Ampat rock art remains largely confined to technical reports and scholarly publications with limited public accessibility. This study examines the use of ArcGIS StoryMaps as a digital archaeology tool to enhance the dissemination of rock art heritage to broader audiences. Employing a GIS-based descriptive methodology, the research systematically documents more than 60 archaeological sites using temporal data spanning the period from 1887 to 2024. The methodological framework consists of four stages: (1) data collection and systematization; (2) development of a GIS-based spatial database; (3) formulation of a narrative strategy; and (4) construction of a web platform integrating interactive maps, visual galleries, a discovery timeline, and multimedia elements. The findings demonstrate that the integration of spatial data with digital narrative frameworks significantly improves the accessibility of archaeological information. This study applies a pride-based narrative strategy that highlights local identity and cultural heritage values to strengthen public engagement. The digital platform transforms previously dispersed scientific data into a cohesive and communicative format that is more accessible to the wider public. This study proposes an integrative framework that synthesizes spatial documentation with narrative strategies for the dissemination of seascape cultural heritage, while offering practical guidance for researchers and practitioners in communicating GIS-based heritage information through public engagement–oriented approaches.