Participatory GIS for Urban Sustainability and Resilience: A Perspective of Social Learning and Ecology of Knowledge

Abstract

The contemporary urbanization model is characterized by unsustainability and environmental injustice as well as social and cognitive exclusion. The search for sustainability and resilience demands better structures of social inclusion and governance to deal with multi-layer determinants and so, it is imperative to promote social participation in decision-making and urban planning. In this chapter we focus on the potentiality of Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PGIS) in terms of fostering social learning and participation, combining spatial, technical and social knowledge and addressing sustainability and resilience issues. A review of PGIS application research findings showed that 25% of PGIS research is applied to urban studies in general, and to natural disasters in cities, such as floods and landslides. According to the review, the PGIS, through the mapping process, that includes social learning and dialogue and aims to apply the ecology of knowledge concept, presents advantages in social engagement when compared to other social participation tools. It has great potentiality to educate and empower citizens, providing better governance and urban scenarios and, therefore, promoting healthier and resilient cities.