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

Abstract

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.