ITaaU Secondment: Mapping for Change

Geographical Information Systems: privacy, openness and accessibility

Karen Martin

“Our mission is to empower individuals and communities to make a difference to their local area through the use of mapping and the applications of geographical information. Our vision is to promote a future in which communities are empowered, sustainable and resilient.”

Mapping for Change

Methodology: 50 interviews and paper-based mapping

Outputs: Map for foodbanks to give to clients showing where to find help locally Evidence that can be used in decision-making

Capturing the lived experience of foodbank clients and volunteers

Anonymity and privacy How can we guarantee absolute anonymity for participants when using maps for analysis or presentation of data?

Data visualisation How can we preserve the integrity of the data as we transform it from one type of output to another?

Accessibility How can we ensure that project participants are included in future debate?

Three challenges raised by the foodbanks project

Activities: Science in the City - Monitoring air pollution around the Barbican Estate, City of London

Achievements –  Developed technical skills –  Understanding of conceptual issues –  Began to address the challenges of the foodbanks project

Anonymity and privacy – how can we guarantee absolute anonymity for participants in this different type of output / presentation of data?

Generalisation of information: How is information classified?

Data visualisation – how can we preserve the integrity of the data as I transform it from one type of output to another?

Suppression and exaggeration: What information is left out and why?

Accessibility – how can we ensure that project participants are included in future debate?

Understanding intentions and how maps are embedded in a broad context

Addressing the three challenges raised by the foodbanks project

Thanks

ITaaU Network+

Mapping for Change

Communities and Culture Network+

Kent School of Architecture