Empowerment
What can community mapping do?
Technology has evolved and has changed the way the current generation thinks. Through the development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), for site analysis and drawing conclusions, planners, designers and GIS experts have been able to evaluate conditions of their communities with their skills. However, through the evolution of technology, anyone can use their problem solving skills for this evaluation.
Using smartphone applications, such as Mappler Mobile, the community is given a tool to analyze issues and/or trends in order to take a step towards making positive changes. Mappler Mobile allows users to upload data and photos during an outdoor survey directly onto an online interactive map. With this tool, communities are able to participate in mapping events, surveying specific issues. In turn, they are able to create a visual representation of data to show to town officials, in an effort to make improvements in the community. This gives the community a louder voice when expressing a need for change.
By participating in community mapping events using the Mappler Mobile application, the IMSOCIO students are given the opportunity to be involved in and engaged with their communities and the environment, to learn GIS skills, and to understand that everyone is capable of making positive influences.
