Beginning the Workshop
Mapping is particularly dependent on group dynamics and participation, therefore it is important to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that encourages collaboration, curiosity, and reflection.
- Introductions and understand who is in the room: Depending on the size of the group and how well participants know one another, start with a short round of introductions. This might include names, organisational roles, or community connections. You may also wish to ask a simple, open question - such as “What brings you to this workshop?” or “What’s one thing you value about the local environment?” - to begin building shared purpose. This conversation also forms the first layer of mapping knowledge present in the room.
- Clarify the aims and structure of the session: Offer a clear outline of the workshop. Explain the themes to be covered, the time available for each part of the session, where the materials are, and what the group is working towards, whether it is exploring shared values, planning an intervention, or gathering evidence for advocacy. This can be done with a visual agenda or as an open discussion, depending on the tone you want to set.
- Establish shared familiarity with the space being mapped and the maps
Ensure that all participants understand how the physical space relates to the map being used. Some may find it difficult to identify specific locations on an aerial map, particularly if they are more accustomed to navigating by landmarks or on foot. Familiarity with the mapped area will vary, and in a biodiversity context, knowledge of local species and habitats may differ as well. Allow time for orientation and use visual aids or alternative mapping formats to support understanding.
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The Mapping Exercise
Divide participants into small, diverse groups (6 to 10 people). Ensure each group has facilitation support and materials. In the PLANET4B Project, the mapping involved creating a plan for a shared space. Relevant questions for a workshop of this kind would include :
- What places are important for biodiversity here?
- Where do you feel connected or disconnected from nature?
- Where are problems or threats to biodiversity visible?
- What barriers prevent care for this place?
- Who uses, controls, or is excluded from this space?
- How has use of the space changed over time?
Mapping activity
Participants collaboratively create their map, responding to the prompt questions and representing what matters to them, this could include:
- Marking sites of biodiversity interest or degradation
- Identifying informal or forgotten green spaces
- Map flows (e.g. of water, animals, people, waste)
- Using drawings or symbols to represent non-visible knowledge or values
- Adding comments, stories, and reflections
Tips for Facilitating the Mapping Exercise
- Support the group with structure and logistics:
Offer guidance on materials, space, and timing, and help the group stay oriented around the purpose of the mapping exercise. - Keep the discussion on track:
Remind participants of the aims of the session, whether it is exploratory, visionary, or focused on a specific project or site. While creative or "blue-sky" thinking can be useful, you may also need to help participants stay grounded if the exercise is part of a time or resource constrained campaign or proposal. - Adapt to the mapping purpose:
- For scoping or future visioning, encourage creative ideas about how spaces could be transformed.
- For community resource mapping or campaign planning, help steer conversation towards practical, achievable steps.
- Set gentle boundaries around the space being mapped:
It is helpful to keep the focus on a defined area or community. This avoids drifting into abstract or unrelated issues and keeps the session manageable. - Explore disagreement and multiple perspectives:
Conflicting ideas about how a space is used, valued, or should change are natural. Mapping can surface tensions and questions without needing to resolve everything in a single moment. - Frame mapping as a process of inquiry, not only answers:
Use mapping to ask questions, raise issues, and invite diverse experiences. The map does not need to be definitive, it can remain a living, unfinished document.
In this video Sandra Karner explains the role of facilitation in guiding a Community Mapping project:
Closing the Workshop
To close a participatory mapping workshop meaningfully, consider including the following:
- Establish key discussion topics, highlighting any patterns, surprises, or shared concerns – a list of these will help with the next step of the project
- Invite participant reflections with prompts such as:
- What stood out for you?
- How has your view of this place changed?
- What would you like to see happen next?
- What stood out for you?
- Clarify next steps, including how the maps will be used, opportunities for follow-up, and how participants can stay involved.
- Debriefing: see the Debriefing Method for detailed guidance on possible follow-up activities and session closure.
Completing the mapping method is often just the beginning of the process. It is helpful to decide in advance the broad purpose for which the map will be used, so that participants understand the value of their contributions and the intended direction of the work. At the same time, the plan should remain flexible, as the experience of mapping together can prompt new or alternative ideas. Revisiting the discussion after the mapping is complete ensures these emerging possibilities are considered. In the PLANET4B case, two workshops were held, allowing time to develop and refine plans.
