Leveraging Geographical Information to Strengthen People’s Engagement in Local Placemaking Processes

Geographical information significantly enhances public engagement in placemaking processes, as demonstrated by three case studies. The research highlights that participatory mapping—using tools like map-based questionnaires, geo-design workshops, and web-based PPGIS—effectively captures local heritage perceptions, identifies meaningful urban spaces for regeneration, and addresses community concerns such as safety in children's school journeys. Key lessons include the importance of diverse representation, trust-building among participants, and clear purpose-setting to maximize engagement. The study underscores the potential of geographical information systems (GIS) to democratize placemaking by amplifying voices across different contexts, from cultural landscape planning to urban regeneration.

Rotondo, F., McCall, M. K., Ducci, M., & Burgers, G. I. (2024). Leveraging Geographical Information to Strengthen People’s Engagement in Local Placemaking Processes. Placemaking in Practice Volume 2, 235–257. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004691919_013