PPGIS Community engagement using geographic information systems Travis Porter – LIS 590CEL

What Is a GIS? GIS: Geographic Information System According to GIS.com, “A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.” Geographically referenced data, also called geospatial data, describes both locations and characteristics of any spatial features such as roads, land parcels, and vegetation on the Earth’s surface. GIS originated in the late 1960s to use, store, and process geospatial data. For many years, GIS was thought to be too difficult, expensive, and proprietary to be of use to the general public. With the advances in computer technology, GIS is now an option for small institutions such as public libraries, grass root organizations, and the general public. In 2004, the U.S. Department of Labor listed geospatial technology as one of the three most important emerging fields along with nanotechnology and biotechnology.

How a GIS Works. GIS software uses layers made up of either Rastar (images) or vector (points) to create complex maps that can be used for analysis. A GIS model contains both spatial data (i.e. longitude and latitude) and attribute data (i.e. characteristics of spatial features which can include text, photos, links—really anything you want to store in the database). Example: Google Maps View of Chicago, Illinois Click on and off layers by choosing the features such as Satellite, Terrain, Photos, Videos, Wikipedia from upper right menu. Choose Traffic view and click on a construction worker icon to view the attributes of that construction site.

Common Uses of GIS Technology. The dramatic growth of GIS over the last two decades makes a complete list of uses impossible. A few of the many uses of GIS can be seen in fields such as: Mapping technologies such as Google Maps and Google Earth Federal agencies such as USGS, BLM, US Forest Service, and many others Local government including planning divisions, law enforcement and emergency response services Utility companies Environmental and conservation entities GPS technologies including cell phones, GPS locators, and vehicle navigation services Grassroots and non-profit organizations Private corporations including resource exploration companies and real estate developers The military Universities and public school districts Public libraries I could keep going…

Participatory GIS Models GIS as a Powerful Tool for Community Engagement Participatory Geographic Information Systems Public Participation Geographic Information Systems PGIS PPGIS

According to PPGIS.com: “The practice is the result of a spontaneous merger of Participatory Learning and Action ( PLA) methods with Geographic Information Technologies and Systems.” “PGIS practice is geared towards community empowerment through measured, demand-driven, user-friendly and integrated applications of geo-spatial technologies. GIS-based maps and spatial analysis become major conduits in the process.” “If appropriately utilized, the practice could exert profound impacts on community empowerment, innovation and social change. More importantly, by placing control of access and use of culturally sensitive spatial information in the hands of those who generated them, PGIS practice could protect traditional knowledge and wisdom from external exploitation.” PGIS – Engagement via GIS

According to PPGIS.com: “The term Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) was coined at the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) Workshop, Orono, Maine, July 10-13, 1996, to cover a specific geographical context (North America), and for a particular purpose - how GIS technology could support public participation for variety of possible applications.” According to scholars Doug Aberley and Renee Sieber, PPGIS “is an interdisciplinary research, community development, and environmental stewardship tool grounded in value and ethical frameworks that promote social justice, ecological sustainability, improvement of quality of life, redistributive justice, nurturing of civil society, etc.” Link to Aberley and Sieber's Complete PPGIS Definition PPGIS – Engaging the Public

Delineating the Terminology The term that has been coined to express the adoption of GIS to empower indigenous and local communities. The PGIS initiative focuses on generic issues such as empowerment and equal representation. The movement represents the vision of GIS practitioners who have developed an interest in the socio-political contributions that the technology can make to empower less privileged groups in society. The role of GIS in the empowerment and disempowerment of communities. PPGIS projects are designed to move underprivileged groups from a situation where they have no influence on decisions that affect them, to one where they can fully participate and have a decided impact on the outcomes. Some consider PPGIS to be a post-modernist transformation of GIS applications, or an activist agenda that is directed at the democratization of society, technology, and spatial data usage. PGIS – Theory of Participation PPGIS – Active Participation Definitions taken from the Central Connecticut University Dept. of Geography Web site.

PPGIS Advantages Technology advances make GIS a viable option for a wide number of populations. Open Source GIS software provide free resources. GIS provides a visual demonstration concerns and arguments of marginalized populations. Provides an opportunity for marginalized populations to participate in GIS which historically have been underserved or ignored. The development of a GIS, if applied using a well-formed participatory model, provides a social and democratic process of information gathering. Provides a means to legitimize a community’s traditional or cultural knowledge. Analysis of data can be used to problem solve and reach long-term solutions. Allows affected communities to create and manage their own data instead of relying on public data or being denied access to proprietary data.

PPGIS Complications Despite advances in technology, mastering a GIS is a complex undertaking requiring years of training. What is the purpose of the project and who benefits from such a project? Establishing a participatory model that represents all parties involved is a complex undertaking and the scale of a project must be understood by all parties involved. Maps are never a static or final, a GIS requires continual work to maintain current data. Who owns the data – both intellectual and geospatial - and what are the ramifications of data ownership? How can these tools be made available to all those with a stake in official decision made using a GIS?

Sustainable PPGIS Methodology Adherence to a Code of Ethics – provided in article entitled “Practical Ethics for PGIS Practitioners, Facilitators, Technology Intermediaries and Researchers” by Rambaldi, Chambers, McCall, and Fox (see Cited Sources slide for complete citation). A clear matrix to understand the varying types of “public” and cross-reference them with distinctions in “participation.” A feasible scale with definable goals. An understanding that a PPGIS project is a long-term investment from all parties involved. Flexibility and the realization that PPGIS is an evolutionary model; there is no “cookbook” approach to a successful PPGIS project. A Well-Formed PPGIS Model Should Include (not a comprehensive list):

Case Study - Model of the Mau Complex, Kenya Nakuru and Narok Districts, Kenya, (August 2006). OVERVIEW Depicted data reflect the mental maps of approximately 120 Ogiek Peoples from the 21 clans. Elders populated the model with their memories dating back to 1925 and reconstructed the landscape as it was at that time. The model displayed 64 data layers including different types of areas, points and lines. RESULTS The elders concluded that they have now a more holistic understanding of their social, cultural and bio-physical environments. They will confer among themselves to define the best way forward in terms of improving the safeguarding of their traditional knowledge, the sustainable management of natural resources, and advocacy actions aimed at regaining recognitions of their ancestral rights. More Information

Case Study – Scale Model of Ovalau Island Lomaviti Province, Fiji Islands, (April 2005) OVERVIEW Project collaborated with 96 men and women from 27 villages to create a model of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems to be used by the local communities for developing resource management, tangible and intangible cultural heritage preservation and development plans. RESULTS Two years after the creation of the model, the Ovalau islanders have developed an island-wide natural- and cultural resource use management plan followed by three district management plans. The Provincial Council reported that building on the existence and use of the 3D model and derived maps, the voice of the community has been more authoritative in negotiation processes. Model making and related follow-up activities have cemented relationships among different districts and sparked an island-wide collective vision for safeguarding biological and cultural diversities. More Information

Case Study – The Aboriginal Mapping Network Vancouver, BC, Canada OVERVIEW The Aboriginal Mapping Network (AMN) was established in 1998 as a joint initiative of the Gitxsan and Ahousaht First Nations and Ecotrust Canada. It is a cooperative Web site that supports aboriginal and indigenous peoples facing similar issues such as land claims, treaty negotiations and resource development. Common tools, such as traditional use studies, GIS mapping and other information systems are used in a collaborative manner, benefiting users of the AMN. RESULTS The AMN serves as knowledge sharing forum for local First Nations technicians, leaders, and decision makers to become a valuable strategic resource for practitioners of traditional knowledge mapping around the world More Information

PPGIS Resources Links to More Information on GIS and PPGIS PPGIS Links PPGIS.net PPGIS Links Page PPGIS Is for People - Rutgers University iapad - Participatory Avenues, the Gateway to Community Mapping, PGIS & PPGIS GIS Action for Economic and Social Justice The Aboriginal Mapping Network WebGIS.net Community Mapping Network PolicyLink PGIS Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) GIS Links USGS USGS Global Visualization Viewer ESRI

References Abbot, J., Chambers, R., Dunn, C., Harris, T., Merode, E. d., Porter, G., Townsend, J., Weiner, D., de Merode, E. Participatory GIS: Opportunity or Oxymoron? PLA Notes 33. IIED London Central Connecticut State University Department of Geography. Participatory GIS Applications. Retrieved May 3, 2009 from http://www.geography.ccsu.edu/kyem/PPGIS/GIS_PPGIS.htm. Chambers, R., Fox, J., McCall, M., and Rambaldi, G. Practical Ethics for PGIS Practitioners, Facilitators, Technology Intermediaries, and Researchers. Participatory Learning and Action. April 2006. p.106-113 Drew, Christina. Transparency – Considerations for PPGIS Research and Development. URISA Journal, v. 15 APA 1 (2003) p.73-78 GIS.com. What Is GIS? Retrieved May 1, 2009 from http://www.gis.com/whatisgis/index.html. PPGIS.net. About PGIS. Retrieved May 1, 2009 from http://www.ppgis.net/pgis.htm. PPGIS.net. About PPGIS. Retrieved May 1, 2009 from http://www.ppgis.net/ppgis.htm. Schlossberg, Marc, and Shuford, Elliot. Delineating “Public” and “Participation” in PPGS. URISA Journal, v. 16 no. 2 (2005) p.15-2