ISPM: Join the International Society of Participatory Mapping’s Executive Committee

International Society for Participatory Mapping (ISPM):

We are an eager group of collaborators including graduate students, faculty members, volunteers, and practitioners. The formation of a participatory mapping international organization is well-timed with the proliferation of mapping technologies, crowdsourcing platforms and social justice issues emerging in every corner of the world.

Participatory Mapping is the field of research and practice engaged in leveraging geographic technology to support public participation. Applications for participatory mapping methods range from indigenous rights, to smart cities, to biodiversity conservation. Our organization is unique in that we embrace the interdisciplinarity of the challenges faced at all levels of community and governance.

The ISPM was conceptualized at the first International Participatory Mapping Conference at Cal Poly in July 2017. Since then, we’ve formed a small group of academics, practitioners, and activists who believe in the ideals of participatory mapping and its potential for promoting equality and social justice.

The Society strives to provide opportunities for underprivileged and marginalized communities in order to promote a more equal distribution of knowledge and resources. The Official Bylaws outline the organizational structure of the Society. The tenure is a minimum of 2 years and includes a mandatory monthly meeting, hosting a webinar or a course, and supporting general operations.

These purposes are to be carried out by:

• Hosting our Society on Mighty Networks to stimulate communication between practitioners and academics;
• Electronically housing participatory mapping data, including maps, publications, workshops, and trainings;
• Promoting the International Journal of Participatory Mapping (IJPM);
• And the execution of quarterly webinars that engage researchers and practitioners publishing in IJPM.

For more information please visit our website and join our public network. To get involved, please take this survey and the committee will reach out shortly.