Community Mapping

Community mapping represents a range of methods that enable people to share what they know, value, and experience in a designated place. Through this method, important green spaces, areas with high (or low) biodiversity, areas that feel unsafe or neglected, places of cultural significance, or ideas for improvement can be identified. It can be used to support more inclusive and fair planning processes, and to strengthen local voices in decision-making about land, nature, and public space.

In the PLANET4B project, community mapping was used with a Learning Community in Graz, Austria. The associated case study explored the establishment of a biodiverse, edible green space for and with women who currently do not have access (because of financial, social, language or other barriers) to an urban garden. The Learning Community used the mapping method to develop a plan for an unused plot of land near the community garden, which the city council oversaw. Through the mapping method, the Learning Community created a plan for the green space. Alongside, they set up an association and came to an agreement with the council, and have been able to establish an edible garden on the site.

In this module Sandra Karner outlines how Community Mapping was developed and applied in PLANET4B, in this video she introduces the Learning Community in Graz:

In this video Sandra Karner explains the Community Mapping Method:

Key Features:

Participants:

• The group size can vary depending on the context. A minimum of 8 participants is recommended to ensure a range of perspectives, while up to 50 people can be involved if breakout groups are used to support smaller group discussions
• This method can be adapted for different groups, suitable for age 12 upwards
• In the PLANET4B project, the mapping workshop took place with a group who were already familiar with one another. The existing trust helped support open dialogue and collaboration. If you are working with a group who have not met before, it is worth allowing time for introductions and icebreakers, to establish familiarity and a common understanding

Timeframe:

• The time frame of mapping methods varies, in the PLANET4B project, the community mapping workshop took place over 2 sessions, each lasting 2 hours
• Mini-mapping methods like Dotmocracy, can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes, while more intensive community mapping can span a full day or be spread across multiple sessions over several weeks

Budget:

• A participatory mapping workshop in itself does not require an extensive budget, however this is not a low budget option. A realistic budget should account for both the mapping activities and the potential actions they may generate. If the outcome of the workshop is a proposal for a new green space, you should consider if you have the time and resources to support next steps, such as lobbying the council, planning and facilitating the space, generating funding etc.
• The budget will depend on factors such as the length of the mapping process, whether it is facilitated internally or by an external specialist, and the scale of participant engagement. You should plan for costs related to materials, facilitation time, venue hire, and accessibility needs

Materials Needed:

• Base Maps - You will need large-printed maps of the area being mapped. Choose a format that is large enough for group interaction and flexible enough to support drawing, annotation, or visual layering. Options include:
  • Free downloads from Google Maps or  Open Street Map
  • From official mapping – depending on your region or country, there may be maps available to purchase
  • Hand-drawn outlines of the territory, particularly if formal maps are not available or if a more creative approach is preferred
  • Green Map international offers a useful database of downloadable materials
• Visual Tools - A range of creative materials should be provided to support participants in expressing their ideas visually. These may include:
  • Markers, pencils, pens, glue, scissors, tape
  • Pre-prepared images, icons, or symbols (printed as stickers or cards)
  • Newspaper clippings, photos, and magazines
  • Blank stickers or cards so that participants can create their own drawings or annotations
• Logistical Resources - The workspace should be comfortable, well-lit, and spacious enough to allow for group work around the map(s). Arrange seating and materials in a way that invites collaboration.
  • A well-lit space with room to move around and lay out maps, that caters for access needs.
  • Tables and chairs arranged for both group work and open discussion

• If holding the session outdoors, consider simple set-ups like blankets, clipboards, or drawing boards that allow people to work at ground level or seated in small groups.
• Refreshments, including water, snacks, and possibly lunch, depending on the session length
• Ethical Consent Forms and participant information sheets: Ensure that participant information and consent forms are prepared in advance.

Skills Required:

• Facilitation skills – Guiding discussions, managing group dynamics, and ensuring inclusive participation, handling differences of opinion constructively
• Emotional sensitivity – Recognising emotional responses, especially around difficult topics such as environmental loss, attachment to a space
• Adaptability – Responding to group dynamics and emerging content in real time without imposing rigid outcomes
• Project management – Overseeing logistics from initial planning and participant recruitment to ensure that all aspects run smoothly on the day of the performance
• Technical skills – basic GIS, digital mapping, or graphic design for digitising outputs
• Advocacy and campaign building – responding to the priorities that emerge from the mapping process, and working with participants to shape these into a coordinated plan or campaign that can mobilise support, build partnerships, and pursue the changes they wish to see