Participatory mapping is a powerful tool that increases stakeholder involvement and
provides a means for participants to express their ideas in an easily understandable
visual format. Participatory mapping is commonly used in the following ways.
• To create maps that represent resources, hazards, community values, usage
(e.g., for recreation or other visitor use), perceptions, or alternative scenarios
• To gather traditional knowledge and practices and to collect information (hazards,
environmental, socioeconomic, visitor use, etc.) for assessments or monitoring
• To identify data gaps
• To inform other data collection methods (e.g., formal surveys, interviews, etc.)
• To evaluate existing programs, plans, and activities
• To facilitate the decision-making process
• To assist with data gathering for research
• To empower stakeholders
• To conduct trends analysis
• To educate stakeholders about issues and interrelationships of resources outside
their immediate areas of concern