Participatory Mapping

In participatory mapping, community groups mobilise to map the lands they use, occupy, steward, or have other connections or claims to. 

Appropriate external technical expertise (from conservation organisations, for example) is often essential in support, at least initially, but control should rest firmly with the community, and community members should be trained in technical aspects of mapping as fully as they require, over an adequate period of time. 

This report provides guidance on the different activities in the participatory mapping process, focusing on the general flow of activities carried out by both communities and support organisations, and the principles for conducting them. 

In this way, the report aims to support two key audiences:

• Technical organisations (e.g. conservation agencies) seeking to be broaden participation, by providing key advice and steps on how to ensure participation is equitable, effective, and respects the rights of the communities they are working with as well as generating quality data.
• Community organisations seeking to support more technical processes, examining the key principles within a participatory mapping framework so they can support the gathering and usage of accurate and transferrable information with free prior and informed consent throughout.