Broadening Public Engagement in Spatial Planning through Digital Participatory Mapping: Experiences from Latvia

Abstract

Digital participatory mapping is an emerging and largely unexplored practice in Latvia despite its potential to broaden and diversify public engagement processes. This study explores the spectrum of currently used digital participatory mapping tools through select examples from Latvian municipalities. Furthermore, the study examines the citizens’ participatory habits and preferences using a small-scale citizen survey and co-design activity. The obtained results allow reflection on the design, functionality, and engagement formats of the existing participatory mapping tools compared to the citizens’ expectations.

Participatory Urban Improvement and Gender. Lessons from Jordan Refugee Camps

“…In the 1980s the main focus was on the identification of areas in which women's input was marginalized, especially in housing and urban infrastructure, other discussions focused on safety and women's needs, but new studies focus on mainstreaming gender in process and avoiding the traditional dichotomy of male-vs-female relationships [3], [17], [22], [26], [27]. Further explorations of the methods making the participatory process inclusive stresses the significance of appropriate tools and strategies [11], [28], [29]. Working in poverty pockets and informal areas requires In the period 2008-2015, an ambitious Camp Improvement Project was launched in three of the formal camps (Jerash, Talbieh, and Husn camps, see Fig.…”