Asset mapping 2.0; contextual, iterative, and virtual mapping for community development

Abstract

ABSTRACT We argue a re-appraisal of asset mapping is needed based on revisiting the concept of assets. Asset mapping is useful for inter/trans-disciplinary work involving complex systems: organizations, administrations, governance systems, social-ecological systems, etc. Asset mapping can be an integrative method, allowing a combination of different disciplinary insights and knowledge types; co-defining what is valuable in and for a system. We propose a new version of asset mapping that combines contextual, iterative, and virtual asset mapping in different manners depending on the system and situation. The unpredictable character of co-evolution makes iterative asset mapping important, contextual asset mapping allows different delineations of relevant contexts, and virtual asset mapping entails recognizing assets in different futures, either scenario-based or as strategy options. We argue that this novel approach is particularly important for planning, in the broad sense, because it provides a bridging opportunity with other fields, connecting discourses and policy.