Purpose -Cognitive maps are used in group decision processes to structure problems. The problem structuring methods helps decision makers to improve the comprehension of the problem, identifying alternative actions and conflicts. However, represents the individual perceptions in a representative group decision into a single structure can be a complex task. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach -The objective of this paper is to improve the process of discussion, obtaining the interests and views of the participants and provide parameters to assist the analyst to guide the process. Furthermore, it is possible to analyze how participants are aligned or diverge from the group. The literature review presents some approaches for cognitive maps analysis, but there is a lack of structured methods to analyze them. This paper proposes a structure procedure for the aggregation of cognitive maps in three parts: workshop to generate individual maps, the aggregation of individual maps and the refinement of the global map. Findings -An example illustrates the application of the proposed method and shows the construction of a global map that summarizes the concepts that participants consider important. Originality/value -This paper presents a new procedure that allows reducing the bias of the analyst in the aggregation of individual cognitive maps maintaining the relevant information and allows decision makers know and approve the aggregation procedure.

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This paper discusses the importance of information and knowledge of the stakeholders' expectations in the environmental planning process to improve the making of decisions. When decisions do not include all required information and/or do not properly analyze the interrelationship between them, the consequences can be disastrous. This paper presents how the Problem Structuring Method (PSM) can help in a better understanding of the problem by considering the exploration of views of the members involved, highlighting some methods, and discussing how their use can contribute to satisfactory decisions in environmental planning.

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