Web-based participatory mapping in informal settlements: The slums of Caracas, Venezuela

Abstract

This article explores the potential of web-based participatory mapping tools for urban planning purposes and spatial information creation in informal settlements, i.e. the slums (barrios) of Caracas, Venezuela. While an increasing use of mapping tools is found in developed countries, fewer applications are found in informal settlements of developing countries, due to issues of high informality, illegality, and a lack of information, human and financial resources. In the context of course-based mapping activities directed to neighbourhood Sector-level planning officers and action research, this study has employed a two-tier approach (planning officials doing the mapping and eliciting complementary information from the population) to online participatory mapping (Google My Maps) for urban planning purposes in the barrios of Caracas. Our efforts aimed mostly at identifying and mapping public facilities, and planned and under-construction public works. This research aims to show the potential contribution of such tools to planning informal settlements and creating locally-produced spatial information. The outcomes of the mapping courses have already proven to be useful for planning public projects across Sectors and Communes, mutual consideration of their priorities in the preparation of two-year development plans, and for increased awareness of local residents of communal councils.

Evolution and Management of Illegal Settlements in Mid-Sized Towns. The Case of Sierra de Santa Bárbara (Plasencia, Spain)

“…While the public part contributes the financing, the private part proposes collective ideas. There is a great consensus about the idea of participatory urban planning that considers "the others" as the best strategy [97,98].…”

Integrating Different Data Sources to Address Urban Security in Informal Areas. The Case Study of Kibera, Nairobi

“…Crowdsourcing platforms have been already recognized as a powerful tool to gather qualitative data about security and safety, valuing citizens knowledge [30,50,51]. These mechanisms have been used by local governments to implement policies and interventions to improve urban safety in different contexts [50,[52][53][54]. Therefore, the research considers voluntary mapping records as the most reliable data source of crime patterns in Kibera.…”

Scanning for Cultural Competency in Online Urban Planning Programs

“…Working in contexts of informal development or areas composed of migrant populations is challenging because they are often left out of digital data sets. Internet availability and access are two of the main challenges in low-income and economically developing contexts (Falco et al, 2019). While mapping tools and data are progressing across the world, there are exceptions where there are fewer applications in informal settings due to illegality or illegitimate business and informal housing, lack of education and information, as well as a lack of social and financial resources (Falco et al, 2019).…”