Avoiding Mistakes in Drone Usage in Participatory Mapping: Methodological Considerations during the Pandemic

Naufal Naufal,Andi Asriadi,Sutrisno Absar

doi:10.24259/fs.v6i1.14117

Abstract

Participatory mapping has continued to evolve with the onset of new methodologies and technology. Conventional methods for sketching have now expanded to incorporate the use of drone imagery and other sophisticated mapping approaches as a base map. However, the use of ultra-high resolution drone imagery does not mean that it will facilitate more participatory processes nor improve the quality of data and uses of information. Indeed, it has long been known that ultra-high spatial resolution can cause misinterpretation. During COVID-19, innovations are emerging to apply more remote technologies in participatory mapping. Mobility concerns, requirements, and preferences for physical distancing discourages active participation of local communities and are especially complex in contexts involving Indigenous People. This paper specifically explores the mistakes that can arise from over-reliance on employing drones as a tool in participatory mapping methods. This paper is based on a case study of participatory mapping conducted at 43 villages (around forest area) of Central Sulawesi Province and West Sulawesi Province. The participatory mapping was carried out by the Sulawesi Community Foundation (SCF) from 2019-2021. The result of the study found at least six signs of potentially negative outcomes from the use of ultra-high resolution drone imagery, starting from disorientation, misperception over the periods of drone acquisition, homogeneous land cover conditions, similar types of plants, numerous signs of nature, and labeling affixed on map. We also encourage the development of ultra-high-resolution drone imagery to take place under certain conditions and see its role as an interpretation dictionary or as a targeted tool in local contexts. In addition, we found that the level of active participation in participatory mapping during the Pandemic was higher than before the pandemic but requires some improvisations in meeting design

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in significant changes in rural development, influencing different facilitation techniques for practitioners to engage with local communities (Goswami et al, 2021; Haqiqi & Horeh, 2021; Iese et al, 2021; Middendorf et al, 2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a catalyst for the use and advancement of technology faster, including the increasing use of drones (Abdel-Basset et al, 2021; Forest and Society Vol 6(1): 226-242
We found at least six potential signals of interpretation error when using high-resolution imagery from drones at one stage of the participatory mapping process

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in significant changes in rural development, influencing different facilitation techniques for practitioners to engage with local communities (Goswami et al, 2021; Haqiqi & Horeh, 2021; Iese et al, 2021; Middendorf et al, 2021). The strictness of COVID-19 protocols in Indonesia continues to be applied by the national government, all the way down through sub village governments, limiting social activities of rural communities (Rowan & Galanakis, 2020; Muhyiddin, 2020 Yanti et al, 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic has become a catalyst for the use and advancement of technology faster, including the increasing use of drones (Abdel-Basset et al, 2021; Forest and Society Vol 6(1): 226-242. In Indonesia, the pandemic resulted in a proliferation of online training including basic drone and drone mapping online, both in the form of free or low-cost training or workshops

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Conclusion