The emergence of web mapping services like Google Earth and Yahoo Maps has driven public interest in geospatial technologies. These services present simple and interactive applications which facilitate the uploading of maps utilising free available application programming interfaces and data interoperability that ultimately enable the visualisation of citizen-generated geographic information.
Whereas in the past, only mapping agencies were responsible to create geographic information, nowadays anyone with a bit of knowledge can easily make a map and publish it online.
The free availability of geoweb editing tools has narrowed the gap between data providers and data consumers. Moreover, the rapid development of social networking is a clear example of how people are making use of the web. Taking full advantage of the progress in technology for the interests of the public is crucial especially when dealing with local planning issues which ultimately affect peoples’ lives. Moreover, public participation supports decision-making processes as it improves the effectiveness of planning.
The eco-Gozo initiative provides a unique opportunity to pursue the long-term path to sustainable development in Gozo. Such a holistic project depends on citizen participation. Geographic information technology, for instance, is one tool that could contribute directly to the vision’s objective by encouraging local participation and interest.
For such a collaboration to be effective, the appropriate frequency between decision makers and civil society has to be set. Engaging in a participatory process would first include methods to create local knowledge and educate the general public to make their voice heard. Thus, utilising public participation GIS in a local context through the eco-Gozo initiative represents a vital change from current top-down methods used by governmental institutions to bottom up approaches. However, to be effective, existing top hierarchies need to accept that the general users have valuable knowledge and experiences that aid to take sound decisions.
For the purpose of my research, specific geographic issues highlighted in the eco-Gozo action plan were chosen to be mapped by local people. The online participatory process was intended to yield tangible results in the form of a public participation GIS where participants mapped a variety of land use concerns in Gozo. These concerns included the condition of major streets and secondary roads in Gozo, noise pollution, flooding hotspots, traffic, air quality and community perceptions about their localities.
This data together with multimedia of specific concerns were included in the designed GozoMap application to help visualise the severity of the perceived problems that will ultimately help to plan for the future. A number of map-based questions related to each topic were prepared, asking respondents to locate any potential local issues on the map. This was done in order to understand and visualise how participants spatially locate the well-known concerns, and to identify common themes that are essential in planning a sustainable vision for the island that depends on the locals’ needs
Results have clearly shown that public involvement through the use of a visual tool is effective as it can envisage a desired future environment. However, data must be presented in a way that all users can understand it. Moreover, there must be a mechanism to protect the voice of the minority in decision-making.
The GozoMap application was considered efficient and easy-to-use as it offered an opportunity to analyse the processes built in the system, focusing on the ability to democratise communities’ decision-making. The contributions made during the participatory exercise also revealed that participants had a general grasp of the tool and were willing to explore the application. In addition, the fact that many users familiarised themselves with the tool by posting comments after locating a point and entering a rating corresponding to a particular theme shows the simplicity of the tool enables users to learn quickly and appreciate the concept of participatory mapping.
Overall, the concept of the tool was appreciated as the main themes discussed during the case study revealed a range of potential uses of the developed application, especially within the context of public consultations.
Information is priceless and invaluable and its value is characterised by timeliness, ease of access, and the ability of people to comprehend and use it. Nowadays, the internet is an exceptional platform for the dissemination of information. Indeed, it is also affecting ways of how human activities – including public participation GIS – are performed. Just as strategies and policies are continuously changing as a result of the advances of modern technology, geoweb applications will keep evolving according to public aspirations and societal demands.
Ultimately, the future of neogeography tools in decision-making processes and collaborative projects would depend on the choices people make regarding the use of the internet to create spatial information, the design used to develop these spatial technologies and the institutional arrangements to embed these tools in the future.
This study was carried out in part fulfilment of the degree of Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the University of Malta under the supervision of Professor Maria Attard and funded by the Strategic Educational Pathways Scholarship Scheme (STEPS). For more information visit www.gozomaptool.com.