Stakeholder engagement strategies for participatory mapping

"Participatory mapping is a general term used to define a growing toolbox of techniques that can help communities make land use decisions. These maps go beyond the physical features portrayed in traditional maps; nearly everything valued by the community can be expressed in spatial terms and represented on a participatory map, including social, cultural, and economic features. The process used to create the maps is as valuable as the maps themselves, since participants often find themselves more fully engaged than they would have otherwise. This publication provides some simple strategies for facilitators leading a participatory mapping process. While there are many aspects of participatory mapping, this publication focuses primarily on stakeholder involvement. Topics addressed include Understanding participatory mapping basics; Knowing when participatory mapping is appropriate; Identifying and working with stakeholders; Developing a mapping strategy; Collecting information; Validating and analyzing information; Reporting information."--P. 1.