Participatory GIS

Participatory GIS is the result of a spontaneous merger of Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) methods with Geographic Information Technologies and Systems (GIT&S) to compose peoples’ spatial knowledge in the forms of virtual or physical, 2 or 3 dimensional maps used as interactive vehicles for discussion, information exchange, analysis and as support in advocacy, decision making and action taking. PGIS practice is usually geared towards community empowerment through measured, demand-driven, user-friendly and integrated applications of Geo-spatial Information Technologies and Systems (GIT&S), where maps become a major conduit in the process.

Participatory GIS and Community Mapping Literature

This online resource is the largest collection of carefully selected literature on participatory GIS, Public participation GIS and Community Mapping. Some documents are available for free. Extremely interesting for students and researchers dealing with participation and geo-spatial sciences.
http://ppgis.iapad.org/ppgis_literature.htm

Google SkectchUp 6

Design enthusiasts take note: there's a new version of Google SketchUp. This 3D modeling software tool is easy to learn, simple to use, and lets you place your models in Google Earth. One of the cool new features is Photo Match, with which you can trace a photo to create a 3D model of the photographed object or match an existing model with a background photo. To stylize your models, there are features for adding fog, creating sketched effects, watermarks, 3D text, and more. And now the integration between Google Earth, 3D Warehouse and SketchUp is seamless, so that you can easily share and reuse models from other 3D Warehouse users. And as noted above, Google Earth now has the "Best of 3D Warehouse" layer that showcases the highest quality models from SketchUp users.
http://sketchup.google.com/

Google Earth 4 released

Six months after it was first introduced as a beta product, Google Earth 4 is now out. Along with a new interface, we've added tons of multimedia content that's been created by online communities plus content from such established sources as Discovery Networks and National Geographic. Be it photo-sharing through Panaramio, hiking trails from Tracks4Africa, Wikipedia articles, or restaurant reviews from Yelp, you can explore all this information in Google Earth's 3D view. And it now also includes the highest-quality textured 3D models of buildings from the 3D Warehouse as a layer ("Best of 3D Warehouse"). For example, check out Canary Wharf in London, landmarks in Manhattan, or the entire Denver downtown.
http://earth.google.com/

Community mappers warned!

China restrains mapping by foreigners
China Daily, 27 January 2007
A new regulation restricting surveying and mapping by foreigners will be implemented in China on March 1 2007. "The regulation will strengthen China's management of surveying and mapping by foreign organizations and individuals, protect national security, and promote economic and scientific cooperation between China and other countries," said an official from the State Bureau of Survey and Mapping on Thursday. Foreign organizations and individuals who intend to engage in surveying and mapping must obtain approval from the central government and accept supervision from local governments, according to the regulation.

Collaborative search engine launched for PGIS/PPGIS practice and science)

Using Google Coop technology a collaborative project has been launched to develop a highly specialized customized search engine reflecting knowledge and interests in PGIS/PPGIS practice and science. Researchers and practitioners are invited to contribute to its development.
URL: http://ppgis.iapad.org/customsearch.htm

Integrated Approaches to Participatory Development (IAPAD)

Participatory Avenues www.iapad.org acts as focal point for sharing information and technical progress on community-based mapping and Participatory GIS (PGIS). The website provides ample documentation on Participatory 3D Modelling (P3DM), an efficient tool for merging indigenous technical knowledge and traditional spatial information. P3DM applications include community-based natural resources management, collaborative research and planning, resource use, control and tenure, and related conflict management.

Participatory Avenues is run by "Integrated Approaches to Participatory Development (IAPAD)"

Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) WebRing

A recently established WebRing links web sites sharing common interests in Public Participation GIS, community mapping and spatial information technologies used in a participatory manner to support integrated conservation and development, sustainable natural resource management and customary property rights.

In building a community of practice around the concept of Public Participation GIS (PPGIS), the WebRing aims at stimulating exchange of information on progress made in visualizing community-based knowledge and perceptions to provide stakeholders and less-favoured community members added stake in designing and owning development and natural resource management initiatives.

Webmasters may consider joining the ring by including the (automatically generated) HTML code on their home page.More information on the PPGIS WebRing is found at http://t.webring.com/hub?ring=ppgis

Open Forum on Participatory Geographic Information Systems and Technologies.

PPgis.net is an informal network of development / GIS practitioners and researchers operating in developing countries, First Nations and elsewhere. Members share common interests in participatory spatial information and communication management, community mapping, participatory GIS practice and science, spatial thinking, memory, and language, cognitive maps, and more. The forum’s prime objective is to provide disadvantaged groups in society with added knowledge-based resources in interacting with higher-level institutions, negotiating territorial issues, participating in land/resource use planning, management and decision-making, and influencing policy-making.

In building a community of practice around the concepts of Participatory-GIS (PGIS)/Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) the network aims at stimulating exchange of information on progress made in bringing the power of geospatial information management systems at community level. The network supports the vision of participatory geospatial information management linking different knowledge systems and improving multi-party communication on spatially defined issues.

Members of the network are able to share information and lessons learned and post questions, resource documents and announcements which are relevant to the practice.