Community Environmental Mapping Using User–Friendly GIS:
A Case Study in Muko Neighborhood, Amagasaki

Abstract

This study examines a method for producing a ″Community Environmental Map″ through public participation by using a Community Environmental Mapping Support System (CEMSS; user–friendly GIS). The authors developed a CEMSS and, as a case study, hosted a Community Environmental Mapping (CEM) Project employing the CEMSS. They describe the CEMSS and CEM project within the context of the following points: (1) Effectiveness of the CEM. (2) Effectiveness of the CEMSS in CEM. (3) Future challenges for improving the CEMSS. The findings revealed that participants were able to produce accurate maps using the CEMSS and that they were able to increase their knowledge of environmental design through CEM. For these reasons, the CEM Project was considered effective for community–scale spatial planning. Results from a questionnaire survey showed that CEMSS appears to be relatively easy for non–expert users of GIS to adopt, but that sufficient scope exists for improving the CEMSS. The potential for using CEMSS on a PDA with GPS in the field was considered particularly important as several participants found that they were unable to find their location on paper maps in areas with no obvious landmarks.