Web-Based GIS and the Future of Participatory GIS Applications within Local and Indigenous Communities By Dr. Peter A. Kyem, GISP. (Professor of Geography) Department of Geography Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT 06050, USA.

Participatory GIS Defined n What is PGIS, PPGIS or Community-based GIS applications? n A term coined to express the use of GIS to empower under-represented communities (Kyem, 2004). n A term adopted to represent the vision of GIS practitioners interested in the socio political contribution of GIS to communities (NCGIA 1996) n A movement which aims at developing a GIS that is adaptable to inputs from ordinary citizens and other non- official sources (Obermeyer, 1988)

On-line GIS defined n An on-line GIS (also called Web GIS or Internet GIS) is a network-based geographic information service that utilizes both wired and wireless Internet to access geographic information and analytical tools in delivering GIS services (Peng and Tsou, 2003; Tsou, 2004). n An Internet GIS makes it possible to add GIS functionality to a wide range of networked computer applications that operate on the information super highway.

Why PGIS? n Competition for scarce resources causes conflicts n Natural resources allocation decisions have become contentious and complex n Resource managers are looking for new approaches, information and new analytical tools to integrate multiple interests n Public participation has undergone revival in resource management. n Community-based GIS applications have become critical conduits in the public’s quest for information on the resources and participation in official decision making processes

Why the Concern over Online PGIS Application? n PGIS movement itself emerged out of criticisms that were leveled against traditional GIS applications n Harmful impacts of the Online PGIS project will be felt mostly in the communities where infrastructure support for internet is lacking n The link of GIS technology with modernity discouraged its implementation in communities. The PGIS movement is also riding on the wings of the same technological innovation to advance its integration into the Internet.

The Main Questions n Will the integration of the Internet into PGIS applications enhance, or curtail the participation of community groups in Resource Management activities that include GIS? n To what degree will on-line PGIS applications promote free and unfettered interaction between stakeholders and resource managers? n How will the Internet display of collaborative PGIS applications transform community participation and collaborative resource management? n Will On-line PGIS applications open up future resource planning and decision making processes beyond what they are today?

Drawbacks of the On line PGIS Project

Internet Users by Geographic Regions, March 2009

Unequal Infrastructure for Internet Connection Figure 2:

Drawbacks of the On line PGIS project 1. Lack of infrastructure for Internet Connectivity 2. Technical Challenges to On line GIS Applications 3. Participation Inequality of Online Projects 4. On site Communication versus On line Collaboration

Potential Benefits from On line PGIS Applications

n Compared to the proprietary and standalone GIS, Internet-based mapping services are simpler, more user- friendly, responsive, low cost and also accessible to anybody with an internet connection n Communication and interaction among participants in an Online PGIS project are not subject to geographic or time constraints. u The 24-hour access u the community is no longer locally defined u promotes free and unfettered communication u freedom from intimidation

A Novel Forum for Organizing and Hosting Group Discussions n A Novel Forum for Organizing and Hosting Group Discussions u Prevents costs – traveling & organizing meetings and arranging for facilities. u infrastructure and protocols for online PGIS projects are reusable once they are developed u Deliberations focus mainly on the task before the group. u The internet avoids many of the interruptions which a face to face interaction among adversaries generate u Views can be expressed in anonymous and non- confrontational manner u results of Online meetings can be quickly ported to websites to make them accessible to several people u Web services open up direct access to GIS capabilities

Internet is a Platform for Multiple Applications n A platform for multimedia GIS applications - voice, text, data, and images may be combined according to the specific needs of communities n With multimedia, inability to read and write may no longer block participation in PGIS projects n The internet can be accessed via 3G mobile phones that are common in the communities

Conclusion n The internet has the potential to expand PGIS applications but the on-line projects can also limit the participation of some groups n There is rapid expansion in Access to internet, broadband and 3G mobiles in many communities n A global society where the emergence of computers, information technology and explosion in digital geospatial data are altering the traditional modes of human interaction n Ultimately, the future of on-line PGIS applications will be determined by the choices we make today, the uses we design for GIS, and the institutional arrangements in which GIS and Internet may be embedded in the future.

Thank You Paper has been published in: The Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries 38(7) 1-16 (2009). Available for free at