The methodological challenges of using public participation Geographic Information System for understanding micro-scale physical characteristics of streetscapes

ABSTRACT Public participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) tools are valued for participatory mapping of various spatial data, but their usefulness has not been examined sufficiently in understanding street-scale built environments. This pilot study engaged 24 carers with the tool to identify perceived characteristics of streetscapes that influenced their perceptions of environmental safety for children’s independent mobility. Three methods were used to engage participants with the tool: purely online, one-on-one conversation on-site and organised group meetings. The observation of respondents’ behaviour during their participation and the quality and quantity of responses were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the tool. The findings reveal that PPGIS has the capacity to collect the perceived qualities of places, routes, and areas; the three forms of spatial data, required to understand mobility in urban settings. However, the contextual information of the maps is not sufficient for identifying street-scale affordances. Responding to the map-based questions is also a challenge for the general public. The paper makes recommendations for furthering the development of PPGIS for assessing healthy streetscapes.