Participatory Mapping

Policy support tool

Participatory mapping is a group of tools to jointly develop maps based on local knowledge and perception, in order to improve capabilities of communities and people to use this knowledge.

Aim of the resource

Contrary to other mapping tools, participatory mapping does not primarily draw on statistics or research data, but on the practical knowledge of people. Participatory mapping visualizes local knowledge and the tools can be useful to evaluate how specific ecosystems are perceived and used by local people and who uses them in which way. On this basis, it is possible to bring together perspectives and interests of different stakeholders and engage communities.

Using the resource

Requirements for using the resource NEW

The mapping tools are low-cost and have low requirements of time, and technical equipment. Advanced expertise is needed for facilitating stakeholder engagement and moderating workshops. Basic cartographic knowledge and GIS skills improve the outcome.

Potential benefits from using the resource

Hands-on mapping: Easy to apply because of low requirements.

Using scale maps: Relatively accurate spatial representation of local knowledge.

Participatory 3D Modelling: Reusable for multiple planning exercises.

Potential limitations from using the resource

Hands-on mapping: Not geo-referenced and therefore difficult if accurate localization is necessary.

Using scale maps: Access to accurate scale maps can be difficult.

Participatory 3D Modelling: Model crating is labour and time consuming; applicability on large areas is difficult.

Contact details

GIZ ValuES

[email protected]

Website

http://aboutvalues.net

Resources

Links

ValuES Methods Database

Is the resource freely available?

Do you want to add more details?

Assessment of effectiveness of the tool or instrument

See Participatory mapping - Method Profile (down below in "links").

Policy support tool