PPGIS stands for Public Participation Geographic Information Systems. It combines the power of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) with participation processes, allowing citizens to participate in spatial planning using maps and geographic data.
Traditionally, GIS was mainly a tool for professionals. PPGIS makes GIS accessible to citizens, allowing them to participate in spatial planning based on their local knowledge and experience.
PPGIS platforms like MapTalk enable citizens to indicate on interactive maps what they consider important, where problems are and what solutions they propose. This input is then combined with professional GIS analyses.
Using PPGIS leads to better plans because local knowledge is combined with professional expertise. Citizens often know their environment better than planners who come from outside, and PPGIS makes it possible to utilize this knowledge.
