Introduction

This Unit is designed to introduce trainees to the concept of Participatory Three-Dimensional Modelling (P3DM), in which physical models of a territory are used to facilitate the articulation and visualisation of mental maps by local knowledge holders.

P3DM has been conceived as a method for bringing the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) closer to rural communities and for bridging the gap that exists between geographic information technologies and capacities found among marginalised and isolated communities who are frequently dependent on natural resources.

The method is used worldwide and offers a range of opportunities.

Unit objectives / expected outcomes

After the completion of the Unit the trainee will be able to:

• describe the P3DM process;
• discuss strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of P3DM.

Content outline, main topics covered and suggested sequencing

This Unit focuses on the topics listed below:

1. Introduction of the “Democracy Walls” (Exercise No. 1) (5 min)
2. Introduction of the Module (PPT No. 1) (10 min)
3. About Participatory 3D Modelling (P3DM) (PPT No. 2) (30 min). The PPT includes the screening of a five-minute video, “Knowledge and cultural transmission in Kenyan participatory mapping”.
4. Video on P3DM (Multimedia) (25 min)
5. The P3DM Process (PPT No.3) (30 min)
6. Reflections based on feedback featured on the Democracy Walls (Exercise No.1) (30 min)

Components of the Unit

Exercises

• Exercise No. 1: Democracy Walls; to provide a medium for participants to express themselves in a free, focused and concise manner; to generate a written, shared pool of reflections which can be used for further participatory analysis; to obtain on-the-spot feedback during an event and be in a position to rapidly adjust facilitation to emerging realities and changing circumstances. (5 min introduction + 30 min discussion at the end of the Unit)

Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in printed format):

• Introduction to Participatory 3D Modelling (Handout4T)
• Article: Resource use, development planning and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: lessons from Fiji Islands
• Article: Bringing the vertical dimension to the negotiating table
• List - Sample list of supplies needed for a P3DM exercise
• List of Additional Resources
• Unit Glossary

Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in digital format)

• Manual: Participatory 3D Modelling: Guiding Principles and Applications, 2010 edition

Multimedia

• “Giving voice to the unspoken”. This video provides general insights into P3DM and its applications. (21 min)
• “Knowledge and cultural transmission in Kenyan participatory mapping”. Dr. Nigel Crawhall elaborates on intergenerational ecological knowledge transmission in a P3DM process. (5 min)

Presentations

• PPT No. 1: Introduction to the Module. This presentation offers the trainee an overview on the content of the Module (10 min)
• PPT No. 2: Introduction to Participatory 3D Modelling. This presentation offers the trainee an overview of the method. (30 min)
• PPT No. 3: The Participatory 3D Modelling Process. This presentation introduces the trainee to the practicalities of the P3DM process. (30 min)

Duration

2 hrs and 20 min

Additional trainer resources

• Rambaldi G. and Callosa-Tarr J. 2002. Participatory 3-Dimensional Modelling: Guiding Principles and Applications. ARCBC, Los Baños, Philippines
  tinyurl.com/mm4c4e
• 2002. "Giving Voice to the Unspoken": a 20-minute video production showing the hands-on aspects of Participatory 3D Modelling (P3DM).
  tinyurl.com/lsnf9u
• Rambaldi G. 2008. Democracy Walls, Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) 58:134–137; IIED, London, UK
  tinyurl.com/n6unzq

Equipment needed

Computer, beamer, five large sheets of craft paper (1.2 m x 1.8 m), push pins, masking tape (7 cm wide), scissors, marker pens, A5 paper sheets or metacards (at least 15 per participant), A4 sheets of paper with the five headings printed in large letters and a glue stick.

Additional downloads

• Download this page in MS Word format (additional information included)
• Download the complete unit