Introduction
The choice of a mapping method or combination of methods, to be employed for collecting and presenting local spatial knowledge is influenced by a number of factors, as discussed in Unit M06U01. Mapping methods can be assessed against each factor using a series of criteria.
Certain methods are more appropriate than others in some settings or with particular groups of people. Furthermore, some methods may be better suited to achieving the purposes that community members set out to attain through the mapping initiative.
This Unit describes a range of participatory mapping methods as well as an indication of their potential uses and users; a review of the purposes to which they may contribute; the settings under which they may be used; and the levels of resources required for implementation.
Unit objectives / expected outcomes
After the completion of the Unit the trainee will be able to:
- apply a decision-making process for a mapping method to suit a given purpose.
Content outline, main topics covered and suggested sequencing
This Unit focuses on the topics listed below:
- Introduction to Unit M06U02 (PPT No. 1) (45 min)
- Selecting mapping tools to suit given purposes (Exercise No. 1) (2 ½ hrs)
- SWOT analysis for selecting mapping tools (Exercise No. 2 including PPT No. 2) (2 - 2 ½ hrs)
Components of the Unit
Exercises
- Exercise No. 1: Weighted Scoring Matrix; to expose trainees to a process of selection based on weighted criteria and to let trainees appreciate that there is no blueprint approach to PGIS practice and that there are a range of variables which need to be taken into consideration when choosing the mapping method which is most appropriate for a set purpose (2 ½ hrs)
- Exercise No. 1: Weighted Scoring Sheet
- Exercise No. 2: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats – SWOT; to expose trainees to the use of the SWOT analysis which allows identifying and evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that organisations and project implementers face in given circumstances; to expose trainees to the use of the SWOT to develop options to deal with external threats and to exploit opportunities by matching external possibilities with internal capabilities (2 – 2 ½ hrs)
Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in printed format):
- Selecting a mapping method to suit a given purpose (Handout4T)
- Unit Glossary (Included in the Module Glossary)
Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in digital format)
Presentations
- PPT No. 1: Selecting a mapping method to suit a given purpose; This presentation discusses a variety of potential mapping techniques, outlining potential users, settings, required levels of resources, and purposes of the mapping initiative. (30 min)
- PPT No. 2: Presentation for Exercise No. 1 - Weighted Scoring (example)
Duration
Approx. 5 ¾ hours
Additional trainer resources
Equipment needed
Computer, digital projector, pin boards, blackboards or whiteboards, large sheets of craft paper (1.2 m x 1.8 m), meta cards of four colours, 10 pencils, 10 erasers, marker pens, masking tape, scissor, long rulers, PowerPoint slides and Excel sheet of Exercise No.1, photocopies of the selected case studies of Exercise No.1 (all of this Unit), outputs from Exercise No. 1 of Unit M06U02.