Maptionnaire

DIALOGUE & INTERACTION

Maptionnaire is a map-based survey tool tailored to infuse community feedback into modern planning systems.

Short summary of the practice

Developed from Public Participation GIS research at Aalto University, Maptionnaire is a map-based survey tool tailored to infuse community feedback into modern planning systems. It allows users to design online interactive map surveys, disseminate them through links, and then analyze and depict the gathered feedback. Additionally, data can be exported to other GIS software for detailed analysis.

community transformation, active participation, experiences, mapping, mapping software, maptionnaire, practical tool, sharing

Goal of the practice

Maptionnaire enables the seamless integration of experiential local knowledge with conventional spatial data, fostering informed and community-centered urban development. City administrations employ Maptionnaire to engage residents, collecting insights for urban planning, such as identifying locals’ treasured neighborhood spots. Moreover, grassroots groups have harnessed the tool. For instance, neighborhood groups have used Maptionnaire to gather data from peers to advance their case for community enhancements.

Target group

All residents. The tool is for crowdsourcing, implying that the more people participate in mapping their experiences, the better quality data sets on community issues become available.

Number of participants: Unlimited.

Age of participants: Adult and Youth, 12+

Materials

Participants are required to have:

Any mobile device
Internet access

Method settings

The method can be adapted to any city.

Duration

For the mapping initiator the duration of a project is several weeks from planning to implementation and analysis depending on the scope of the project. From the participants point of view, the duration of the participation is the time they need to complete the survey.

Preparation

Preparation can take anything from a few days to weeks depending on the scope of the project.

Step by step guide

To utilize Maptionnaire, the mapping entity crafts a questionnaire and shares its link with a targeted group. Respondents can complete the questionnaire on any device. After gathering the data, the mapper can employ Maptionnaire’s analytical tools to interpret the findings, visualizing results as heat maps, for example.

Expected output

The results of mapping exercises with Maptionnaire produce extensive digital layers of local knowledge. These can complement the traditional spatial data typically used in urban planning.

Change the method brings to the communities

Using Maptionnaire yields a diverse array of resident insights, uncovering their feelings and ideas for community growth. The tool bridges the gap between local knowledge and official planning data, amplifying its potential in urban planning.

Adaptation/Application of the method

In an example of a grassroots application of the tool, Maptionnaire was leveraged in Urban Helsinki’s Walkable Railway Station Project, aimed at revitalizing the area around Helsinki’s railway station. The group designed and disseminated a map survey to the online YIMBY community, inviting participants to highlight areas of enjoyment and challenges and suggest improvements for the station area. The responses were then analyzed to create visual maps depicting public sentiment and insights, which informed a proposal to enhance walkability and attractiveness in the area. The proposal and data were shared with the public and city planners and have influenced subsequent developmental designs for central Helsinki.

Credit, References, and Resources

Link to the app – https://maptionnaire.com/

A Comprehensive Guide to Community Mapping for Planning Professionals, blog post on Maptionnaire website – https://www.maptionnaire.com/blog/guide-to-community-mapping-for-planning

Photo sources: https://maptionnaire.com/, date: 20.11.2023

Collaborative Decision-Making