AquaStress
header
Integrated Solution Support System - Aquastress          

Factsheet: Maps

 

Definition

A map is a graphic scale-model that represents the spatial aspects, dimensions and relations of reality (based on Carton 2002, and Kraak and Ormeling, 1987, translated).

Application objectives

To define a common vocabulary and for exchanging information. The power of maps is that they bridge disciplinary designs of all kinds of spatial problems.

Pertinent participation process phase(s)

During most phases, maps can be used for spatial-related policy issues. The following types of maps can be distinguished that are useful during the different phases of the participation process:

  • Phase 1) Starting: Identify spatial problems and trends on exploratory maps, collecting –tacit and registered- information on maps.
  • Phase 2) Actors analysis: During this phase so called ‘Mental maps’ can be used. Since these are usually not geographical oriented we consider geographical maps in this phase less relevant. For more on mental maps see e.g. cognitive Map (chapter Fact sheet VIII:).
  • Phase 3) Diagnostic of the current situation: Two types of maps serve the phase of diagnosis: a) Topographic and thematic maps that come from monitoring, research, and previous phases; b) Drawn sketch maps and added comments from stakeholders/ advisors that are based on their experience and tacit knowledge.
  • Phase 4) Search of solutions: In the policy process, participants can be requested to draw their solutions on sketch maps, possibly assisted by a (landscape) designer.
  • Phase 5) Implementation, evaluation: Implementation does not go without communicating the plan to others. There are three main types of plan maps: a) cartographic blue-print maps that defines detailed project-information; b) impact assessment maps that show estimations of consequences of –candidate– policy options; and c) communicative sketches or infographics (CSD, 2000)

1- Starting organization

2- Actors analysis, context

3- Diagnostic of the current situation

4- Search of solutions

5- Implementation, evaluation

Application method

Different map sources can be used and combined in participatory processes. For long-distance sharing of information, some type of a digital spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is required. This involves among others geo-data exchange standards and application tools like (web-)GIS.
Mapping experts, both digital experts as paper-designing experts are helpful in assisting stakeholders to visualize their ideas and concerns. The use of GIS in participative settings is called community mapping or Public Participation GIS, which has met with increased popularity (Craig, W. J., M. Trevor and D. Weiner, 2002).

Application example(s)

The making of so-called regional ‘Water Opportunity Maps’ in the Netherlands, in several projects between 1998 and 2003 by water boards and county boards. A few water boards followed a participative approach. In the projects, several mapping techniques were used in combination, like exploratory and mental maps, GIS, communicative sketches and landscape designs.

Example tools

The data in the AquaStress database are suited for applications like:

An example of a tool in the public domain which allows the user to view his own maps but more importantly, allows him to visualize based on goolge information the whole world is Google Earth/Maps http://earth.google.com/. Alternatives are Windows Virtual Earth (http://local.live.com/ ).

AquaStress contact(s)

Contact: None specified.

Reference

Maps and water management:

  • France, Robert L. (eds), 2002, Handbook of water sensitive planning and design. Lewis, Boca Raton.
  • Lyon, John G. (eds), 2003, GIS for water resources and watershed management. Taylor and Francis, London.

Maps for participative policy:

  • Carton, L.J., 2002, Strengths and weaknesses of spatial language: Mapping activities as debating instrument. In: Conference Proceedings FIGXXII International Congress. (Washington, D.C., April 19-26 2002). International Federation of Surveying, Copenhagen.
  • CSD: Committee on Spatial Development, a co-operation between European Commission and the EU Member States, 2000,  Study Program on European Spatial Planning; Infographics workgroup. Brussels/Stockholm.
  • Craig, W. J., M. Trevor and D. Weiner, 2002, Community Participation and Geographic Information Systems. Taylor and Francis, London.

Basics of resp. cartography, GIS:

  • Kraak, M.J. and F. Ormeling, 1987, Kartografie. Visualisatie van ruimtelijke gegevens. Delft, Delft University Press. (revised edition 1999)
  • Longley, P.A., M.F. Goodchild, D.J. Maguire, and D.W. Rhind, 2001, Geographic Information Systems and Science. Wiley, New York.
  • McEachren, Alan M., 1995, How maps work. Guilford, New York.

Many links to sites on Maps, Mapping and Cartography:
http://oddens.geog.uu.nl/index.html

Many references on maps, geo-information science, GIS :
http://www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/varenius/info_soc_panel/bibliog2.html

Portal of geo-information related activities of the European
Commission Services:
www.ec-gis.org

Portal respectively. paper on exploratory cartographic visualization:
http://www.elsevier.com/homepage/misc/cageo/
http://www.elsevier.nl/homepage/misc/cageo/mk/mkintro.htm

Portal on visualization and education:
http://www.agocg.ac.uk/sima.htm