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Journal Articles & Reports

Barriers in Using Visualization Tools in
Public Participation

Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS): Challenges of Implementation in Churchill, Manitoba

Description: Public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) increasingly are utilized in geographic research, yet researchers rarely are provided with guidance on how to implement PPGIS in an appropriate and effective manner. This article reports on the process of research that explores responses to current and future local tourism development offered by a sample of residents using a modified PPGIS approach called 'community action geographic information system' (CAGIS).
Citation: Stewart, Emma J. "Public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS): challenges of implementation in Churchill, Manitoba." The Canadian Geographer, 2008: Volume 52 (3).

Usability Evaluation and PPGIS: Towards a User-centered Design Approach

Description: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and the related usability evaluation techniques focus on how to make computer systems more accessible, while focusing on user needs and requirements. Thus, the synergy between PPGIS and HCI seems natural. This paper discusses the aspects of this synergy, building on experience from three workshops. It demonstrates how usability evaluation can contribute to PPGIS research, and how PPGIS research can contribute to the HCI aspects of GIS in general.
Citation: Haklay, Mordechai. "Usability evaluation and PPGIS: towards a user-centered design approach." International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 2003, Volume 12 (6).

The Use of Web 2.0 Concepts to Support Deliberation in Spatial Decision-making

Description: Technologies associated with the second-generation of the World-Wide Web enable virtually anyone to share their data, documents, observations, and opinions on the Internet. In less than three years, mapping platforms such as Google Maps have sparked an exponential growth in user-generated geographically referenced content. However, the "serious" applications of Web 2.0 are sparse and this paper assesses its use in the context of collaborative spatial decision-making.
Citation: Rinner, Claus. "The use of Web 2.0 concepts to support deliberation in spatial decision-making." Computers, Environment and Urban Studies, 2008, Volume 32 (5).

Technology-aided Participative Methods in Environmental Assessment: An International Perspective

Description: GIS has the potential to increase community knowledge and enhance involvement by communicating information more effectively. Variable accessibility to technology and data quality remains issues. Combining technology with more conventional ways of gathering, evaluating and presenting data are seen as offering a solution to the need to promote the integration of public perceptions in environmental assessment procedures.
Citation: Gonzalez, Ainhoa. "Technology-aided participative methods in environmental assessment: An international perspective." Computers, Environment and Urban Studies, 2008, Volume 32 (4).

A Model for Public Involvement in Transportation Improvement Programming Using Participatory Geographic Information Systems

Description: This paper presents a model for public involvement in the programming process with all these features using a web-based portal application with a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS). The process is composed of the following five steps: describing values and concerns, determining criteria, reviewing projects, evaluating scenarios, and creating reports. Challenges agencies may encounter in implementing such a system are also covered in this paper.
Citation: Zhong, Ta. "A model for public involvement in transportation improvement programming using participatory Geographic Information Systems." Computers, Environment and Urban Studies, 2008, Volume 32 (2).

Landscape Visualizations: Applications and Requirements for 3D Visualization Software for Environmental Planning

Description: Users of 3D visualization software are particularly concerned by insufficient representation of plants and habitats in simulations. Looking to the future, the vast majority of respondents (91%) expect increased benefits for landscape planning from 3D visualization software, are convinced of the advantages of the technology, and are eager to integrate 3D landscape visualizations in their working practices.
Citation: Paar, Philip. "Landscape visualizations: applications and requirements for 3D visualization software for environmental planning." Computers, Environment and Urban Studies, 2006, Volume 30 (6).

Grassroots Group as Stakeholders in Spatial Data Infrastructures: Challenges and Opportunities for Local Data Development and Sharing

Description: In spite of efforts to improve local data integration in spatial data infrastructures and development of strategies from public participation GIS to expand access to geospatial data and technologies, grassroots data users still experience difficulties with the accessibility, quality, and usefulness of local government data resources. This paper illustrates these problems and how they are shaped by grassroots groups' resource constraints, knowledge systems, and sociopolitical positions; and assess the feasibility and impacts of proposed alternatives for better meeting grassroots spatial data needs.
Citation: Elwood, Sarah. "Grassroots group as stakeholders in spatial data infrastructures: challenges and opportunities for local data development and sharing." International Journal of Geographic Information Science, 2008, Volume 22 (1).

Peering Through the Smoke? Tensions in Landscape Visualization

Description: Landscape visualization using three-dimensional modeling and virtual reality techniques has emerged as a significant element of research into the environmental impacts of both location specific developments (e.g. a new wind farm) and more widespread environmental change (e.g. climate change). As a technique it has much to commend it, bringing the ability to inform and encourage participation and debate.
Citation: MacFarlane, Robert. "Peering through the smoke? Tensions in landscape visualization." Computers, Environment and Urban System, 2005, Volume 29 (3).