Community Mapping Research Articles

‘People-in-environments’ taking the classroom to the community: evaluation of a collaborative problem-based community learning model for social work students

ABSTRACT This paper reports on an innovative community-based ‘People-in-Environments’ learning model designed to support social work students in their development of ‘Readiness for Practice’ in an English urban metropolis. This experiential model challenges students to think differently about the meaning of communities, community resources, and their own assumptions, whilst enhancing critical thinking, self-awareness, reflexivity, and the integration of anti-oppressive values. A central element involves engaging students in embodied, problem-based, confluent learning by critically responding to scenarios using real-life circumstances and visiting diverse community locations. Drawing on qualitative questionnaires, focus groups, and anecdotal data from selected student cohorts 2018–2023, six learning themes are presented: Enhanced Knowledge, Deeper Learning; Examining the Familiar Unfamiliar; What Does Community Mean; Person-In-Environment, Self-In-Environment; A Different Kind of Empathy, and Group Work Challenges. Students’ narratives emphasize the significance of embodied, emplaced learning in unfamiliar settings. Reflexively analyzing thoughts, emotions, and materiality enhanced understanding and skill development. This model facilitates nuanced appreciation of what community means, both the intersections of geographical locales with identities and attachments, and the importance of understanding community attributes, strengths, risks, and resources. The paper concludes with suggestions for creative expansion through community mapping in placements and integrative learning in social work curricula.

Loneliness and Social Isolation: qualitative study among youth in vulnerable situations

Abstract Background Loneliness and social isolation are increasing among young people, particularly those in vulnerable NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) situations, potentially leading to poor health and well-being outcomes. We aim to explore these challenges from the perspective of NEET youngsters and link workers who support them in co-creating individual action plans for their social and economic integration. Methods Data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 15 young people in NEET situations, aged 18-34, and 7 link workers from several social organisations in rural and urban areas in Portugal. The young participants were selected based on their age, educational level, mental health needs, and urban/rural regions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results The results showed a convergence between the perspectives of young people and link workers on the factors that influence social isolation and loneliness, including social and emotional skill deficits, excessive use of social media platforms, and mental health problems. Young people reported to being heavily involved in social media platforms, which often did not translate into meaningful relationships in real life. Youngsters also highlighted the lack of local support and community resources in rural areas. Link workers identified specific challenges young migrants face in community integration, including language barriers (for the youth with a migrant origin) and lack of familiarity with local resources. Conclusions This study highlights social media platforms, mental health and social and emotional skill deficits as main factors contributing to the social isolation and loneliness of young people in a NEET situation. This emphasizes the importance of integrated proximity-based interventions that incorporate community resource mapping and local support networks, including mental health support services, and promote multi-sector collaboration. Key messages • Social media platforms, mental health needs, and social and emotional skill deficits drive social isolation in NEET youth, stressing integrated, community-focused interventions. • Proximity-based strategies with community mapping and mental health support enhance NEET youths’ social integration, urging cross-sector collaboration.

C-band synthetic aperture radar time-series for mapping of wetland plant communities in China’s largest freshwater lake

C-band synthetic aperture radar time-series for mapping of wetland plant communities in China’s largest freshwater lake

9218 Highly Multiplexed Mapping of the Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Ecosystem to Predict Disease Outcome

Abstract Disclosure: G.M. Wilson: None. T.B. Doan: None. B.J. Guild: None. N. Pathmanathan: None. J.D. Graham: None. Mammographic screening programs have resulted in remarkable improvements in breast cancer survival due to early-stage detection. However, this has resulted in a dramatic increase in the detection of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-obligate precursor of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is confined to the ducts and surrounded by a normal myoepithelial cell layer. Many DCIS cases will not progress to IDC within the lifetime of the patient. However, there are limited tools to accurately predict progression, thus virtually all DCIS is surgically removed, and most patients receive adjuvant radiotherapy as it halves recurrence rates. This likely represents overtreatment for a majority of patients. Emerging evidence has revealed that the adjacent microenvironment becomes progressively altered in DCIS and IDC compared to normal tissue, and this is correlated with disease outcome. The objective of this study was to investigate changes to the DCIS microenvironment during disease progression and identify disease states that predict patient outcome. We used immunohistochemistry and imaging mass cytometry with a well-annotated cohort of DCIS, with or without adjacent IDC, to measure a panel of 40 phenotypic and functional markers that allowed us to distinguish the diverse cell populations present in the tissues. We observed striking changes to almost all cell types within the DCIS tissue when comparing pure DCIS cases to DCIS adjacent to IDC. In particular, there were considerable changes to tissue-resident immune populations, with differences observed in the type, location and population size of a variety of immune cell subsets, in IDC-associated DCIS compared with DCIS-only cases. Computational mapping of cell type communities in pure and IDC-adjacent DCIS tissues revealed specific differences that could be used to predict the emergence of invasive disease, informing clinical management of this good prognosis malignancy and potentially avoiding over-treatment. Presentation: 6/3/2024

9218 Highly Multiplexed Mapping Of The Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Ecosystem To Predict Disease Outcome

Abstract Disclosure: G.M. Wilson: None. T.B. Doan: None. B.J. Guild: None. N. Pathmanathan: None. J.D. Graham: None. Mammographic screening programs have resulted in remarkable improvements in breast cancer survival due to early-stage detection. However, this has resulted in a dramatic increase in the detection of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-obligate precursor of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is confined to the ducts and surrounded by a normal myoepithelial cell layer. Many DCIS cases will not progress to IDC within the lifetime of the patient. However, there are limited tools to accurately predict progression, thus virtually all DCIS is surgically removed, and most patients receive adjuvant radiotherapy as it halves recurrence rates. This likely represents overtreatment for a majority of patients. Emerging evidence has revealed that the adjacent microenvironment becomes progressively altered in DCIS and IDC compared to normal tissue, and this is correlated with disease outcome. The objective of this study was to investigate changes to the DCIS microenvironment during disease progression and identify disease states that predict patient outcome. We used immunohistochemistry and imaging mass cytometry with a well-annotated cohort of DCIS, with or without adjacent IDC, to measure a panel of 40 phenotypic and functional markers that allowed us to distinguish the diverse cell populations present in the tissues. We observed striking changes to almost all cell types within the DCIS tissue when comparing pure DCIS cases to DCIS adjacent to IDC. In particular, there were considerable changes to tissue-resident immune populations, with differences observed in the type, location and population size of a variety of immune cell subsets, in IDC-associated DCIS compared with DCIS-only cases. Computational mapping of cell type communities in pure and IDC-adjacent DCIS tissues revealed specific differences that could be used to predict the emergence of invasive disease, informing clinical management of this good prognosis malignancy and potentially avoiding over-treatment. Presentation: 6/3/2024

8770 Highly Multiplexed Mapping of the Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Ecosystem to Predict Disease Outcome

Abstract Disclosure: G.M. Wilson: None. T.B. Doan: None. B.J. Guild: None. N. Pathmanathan: None. J.D. Graham: None. Mammographic screening programs have resulted in remarkable improvements in breast cancer survival due to early-stage detection. However, this has resulted in a dramatic increase in the detection of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-obligate precursor of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is confined to the ducts and surrounded by a normal myoepithelial cell layer. Many DCIS cases will not progress to IDC within the lifetime of the patient. However, there are limited tools to accurately predict progression, thus virtually all DCIS is surgically removed, and most patients receive adjuvant radiotherapy as it halves recurrence rates. This likely represents overtreatment for a majority of patients. Emerging evidence has revealed that the adjacent microenvironment becomes progressively altered in DCIS and IDC compared to normal tissue, and this is correlated with disease outcome. The objective of this study was to investigate changes to the DCIS microenvironment during disease progression and identify disease states that predict patient outcome. We used immunohistochemistry and imaging mass cytometry with a well-annotated cohort of DCIS, with or without adjacent IDC, to measure a panel of 40 phenotypic and functional markers that allowed us to distinguish the diverse cell populations present in the tissues. We observed striking changes to almost all cell types within the DCIS tissue when comparing pure DCIS cases to DCIS adjacent to IDC. In particular, there were considerable changes to tissue-resident immune populations, with differences observed in the type, location and population size of a variety of immune cell subsets, in IDC-associated DCIS compared with DCIS-only cases. Computational mapping of cell type communities in pure and IDC-adjacent DCIS tissues revealed specific differences that could be used to predict the emergence of invasive disease, informing clinical management of this good prognosis malignancy and potentially avoiding over-treatment. Presentation: 6/3/2024

8770 Highly Multiplexed Mapping Of The Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Ecosystem To Predict Disease Outcome

Abstract Disclosure: G.M. Wilson: None. T.B. Doan: None. B.J. Guild: None. N. Pathmanathan: None. J.D. Graham: None. Mammographic screening programs have resulted in remarkable improvements in breast cancer survival due to early-stage detection. However, this has resulted in a dramatic increase in the detection of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-obligate precursor of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is confined to the ducts and surrounded by a normal myoepithelial cell layer. Many DCIS cases will not progress to IDC within the lifetime of the patient. However, there are limited tools to accurately predict progression, thus virtually all DCIS is surgically removed, and most patients receive adjuvant radiotherapy as it halves recurrence rates. This likely represents overtreatment for a majority of patients. Emerging evidence has revealed that the adjacent microenvironment becomes progressively altered in DCIS and IDC compared to normal tissue, and this is correlated with disease outcome. The objective of this study was to investigate changes to the DCIS microenvironment during disease progression and identify disease states that predict patient outcome. We used immunohistochemistry and imaging mass cytometry with a well-annotated cohort of DCIS, with or without adjacent IDC, to measure a panel of 40 phenotypic and functional markers that allowed us to distinguish the diverse cell populations present in the tissues. We observed striking changes to almost all cell types within the DCIS tissue when comparing pure DCIS cases to DCIS adjacent to IDC. In particular, there were considerable changes to tissue-resident immune populations, with differences observed in the type, location and population size of a variety of immune cell subsets, in IDC-associated DCIS compared with DCIS-only cases. Computational mapping of cell type communities in pure and IDC-adjacent DCIS tissues revealed specific differences that could be used to predict the emergence of invasive disease, informing clinical management of this good prognosis malignancy and potentially avoiding over-treatment. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Intergenerationality in the Context of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities: Older people’s Experiences and Perspectives on Place and Community Living in the UK

ABSTRACT Intergenerational communities can be understood as communities where multiple age groups interact, feel valued, and contribute to community life in an inclusive way. However, older adults in many communities in the UK can be excluded from intergenerational mixing. The PlaceAge project undertook interviews, photo-diaries, community mapping workshops, and knowledge cafés to explore older adult experiences of and participation in their cities and communities. Three key themes were generated, showcasing intergenerationality: (1) Connectedness in place and space; (2) Feeling old in siloed communities; and (3) Play in everyday life. This research emphasizes the importance of inclusive and accessible intergenerational places and activities that foster sustainable social connections and combat ageism. It highlights the value of playfulness, skill-sharing and co-mentoring, and advocates for the importance of incorporating intergenerational opportunities into the planning and development of age-friendly cities and communities.

Active methodologies for learning about human rights through the Age-Friendly Cities project in the social work bachelor’s degree

ABSTRACT A teaching experience was conducted on linking academic content with activities of the Age-Friendly Cities project as applied to the city of Logroño (La Rioja, Spain). The aim was to improve students’ understanding of human rights and their application in social work practice. The article described the methodological process linked to two subjects in the third year of the Social Work degree course: Design and Evaluation of Social Programmes and Community Social Work. Cooperative learning techniques such as flipped classroom, jigsaw, discussions and community mapping were introduced. A semi-structured questionnaire was carried out to find out about the students’ perception of the project. The results showed the satisfaction of students were with the methodology used and the improvement of general and specific skills, as well as the need to reinforce the link between Human Rights and Social Work through local and community experiences that bring social problems closer to the classroom and thus promoted meaningful learning.

The effect of Kenya’s immigration policy on regional integration in the East African Community

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Kenya’s immigration policy on regional integration within the EAC. Although Kenya’s immigration policy aligns with the East Africa Community Map (EACMP), as detailed in the 2010 Kenyan Constitutional and the Kenyan Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011. Obstacles persist that prevent the free movement of people, labour, establishment rights, and residence rights despite East African Community (EAC) foreign citizens being exempt from visa and work permit requirements. The Kenyan government, however, insists on demanding these documents. The study employed a mixed methods approach with a convergent parallel research design. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential statistics in SPSS version 25, while qualitative data was analysed through content analysis. A sample size of 400 respondents was used. The findings show that Kenya’s immigration policy has successfully encouraged the free movement of labour, people, establishment rights, and residence rights within the EAC. In conclusion, Kenya’s immigration policy has significantly contributed to advancing regional integration within the EAC. It is suggested that the Kenyan government simplify the permit procedures for EAC investors aiming to establish legitimate businesses in Kenya. The immigration policymakers in Kenya should ensure that the rights and benefits available for EAC foreign nationals wishing to reside in Kenya are covered by the policy in accordance with EACMP.

Redefining ‘family’: Conceptualising social support networks of transfeminine women in the Western Cape, South Africa - A case descriptive study of in-depth qualitative data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial

Transfeminine women (assigned male sex at birth and identifying with a feminine gender identity) are at risk for intersectional stigma related to their gender, sexual orientation, and other parts of their social identities (including age, class, and race). These layered stigmas can result in increased physical and mental health concerns related to physical and emotional violence, substance use, high risk sexual behaviour and HIV exposure. Social networks are important support structures for transfeminine women to ameliorate imposed risk and stigma. We investigated the family networks, household structures and community support systems of eight transfeminine women in the Western Cape, South Africa. The data for this study are embedded in a qualitative component of the larger HPTN 071 (PopART) trial. Data included in-depth interview transcripts, genogram activities and community map drawings. We found that participants who were not living in a supportive family and household structure faced stigma and health risks. In addition, we found examples of how transfeminine women in unsupportive social situations constructed their own family and household unit for support. Our findings agree with those of other studies in that transgender people often rely on extended family members, friends, or peers as social support when their families do not support or ostracise them. Understanding how transfeminine women re-organise social units to be better supported is important so that better health services can be provided to them in the local South African and international context. Further research on family re-structuring among gender and sexual minority groups is needed.

'If It Was Easy Somebody Would Have Fixed It': An Exploration of Loneliness and Social Isolation Amongst People Who Frequently Call Ambulance Services.

The aim of the study was to explore social isolation and loneliness in those who frequently contacted the ambulance service, what factors contributed to this and how unmet needs could be addressed. Semi-structured interviews with staff from the ambulance service and service users who were identified as frequently contacting the ambulance service. Service users also completed the UCLA loneliness scale and personal community maps. Data were analysed thematically before triangulation with the UCLA loneliness scale and personal community maps. The final analysis was drawn from 15 staff and seven service user participants. The relationship between social isolation and loneliness and contacting the ambulance service was a contributing, but not the driving, factor in contacting the ambulance service. For service users, we identified three key themes: (1) impact on activities of daily living and loneliness and/or isolation as a result of a health condition; (2) accessing appropriate health and social care services to meet needs; (3) the link between social isolation and/or loneliness and contact with the ambulance service. The analysis of staff data also highlighted three key themes: (1) social isolation and/or loneliness in their role; (2) access to other appropriate health and social care services; (3) the impact of austerity and Covid-19 on social isolation and/or loneliness. Our research emphasises the complex nature of social isolation and loneliness, including the cyclic nature of poor health and social isolation and loneliness, and how this contributes to contact with the ambulance service. The advisory group for the study was supported by a public and patient representative who contributed to the design of the study documentation, data analysis and authorship.

Discriminating woody species assemblages from National Forest Inventory data based on phylogeny in Georgia.

Classifications of forest vegetation types and characterization of related species assemblages are important analytical tools for mapping and diversity monitoring of forest communities. The discrimination of forest communities is often based on β-diversity, which can be quantified via numerous indices to derive compositional dissimilarity between samples. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of unsupervised classification for National Forest Inventory data from Georgia by comparing two cluster hierarchies. We calculated the mean basal area per hectare for each woody species across 1059 plot observations and quantified interspecies distances for all 87 species. Following an unspuervised cluster analysis, we compared the results derived from the species-neutral dissimilarity (Bray-Curtis) with those based on the Discriminating Avalanche dissimilarity, which incorporates interspecies phylogenetic variation. Incorporating genetic variation in the dissimilarity quantification resulted in a more nuanced discrimination of woody species assemblages and increased cluster coherence. Favorable statistics include the total number of clusters (23 vs. 20), mean distance within clusters (0.773 vs. 0.343), and within sum of squares (344.13 vs. 112.92). Clusters derived from dissimilarities that account for genetic variation showed a more robust alignment with biogeographical units, such as elevation and known habitats. We demonstrate that the applicability of unsupervised classification of species assemblages to large-scale forest inventory data strongly depends on the underlying quantification of dissimilarity. Our results indicate that by incorporating phylogenetic variation, a more precise classification aligned with biogeographic units is attained. This supports the concept that the genetic signal of species assemblages reflects biogeographical patterns and facilitates more precise analyses for mapping, monitoring, and management of forest diversity.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING THE FIELD EFFICIENCY OF DRONES IN IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL BREEDING SITES OF THE Aedes MOSQUITO

The identification of breeding sites is key to dengue prevention strategies. Community involvement and breeding site surveillance play a vital role in controlling the Aedes population. Drones have emerged as a promising tool to be used in surveillance activities. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework and present comprehensive intervention methods to control dengue cases. This study explores the concepts of community engagement, habitat profiling and mapping, and technology integration that will be implemented in the three main phases. Phase I: Community engagement, in which to understand the implementation characteristics of the proposed system using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Human-Centred Design (HCD); Phase II: Profiling and mapping potential breeding sites, in order to compare and characterise vector breeding sites of the Aedes mosquito in selected urban and rural areas using innovative drone technologies; Phase III: Technology integration by developing automated linkage of information on the mapping of mosquito breeding sites for dengue risk to an application platform. This conceptual framework can assess the efficiency of drones as an alternative tool for dengue surveillance and the use of technology to locate breeding sites effortlessly, which can later be applied in dengue-endemic regions.

Community Mapping in Teacher Preparation: Developing Undergraduate Students’ Knowledge of Community Assets

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of a course-based community asset mapping (CAM) project on undergraduate students’ capacity for identifying and understanding assets within communities surrounding specific schools. The mapping project was grounded in the literature on culturally sustaining pedagogy and experiential education and involved teacher education students (n = 45) collaborating to complete and report on an analysis of local community assets. Findings indicated participants gained improved knowledge and competence regarding CAM, were able to provide more accurate and detailed explanations of assets and the asset mapping process, and were able to identify various assets available to PK-12 students and families in particular communities within the local school district. The discussion highlights participants’ success in inventorying physical, tangible assets, and notes where they fell short of recognizing other assets. We also discuss how coursework could have better supported the project and could have allowed the potential of CAM to be more fully realized. The conclusion addresses implications for teacher preparation, particularly for connecting candidates with communities and for the implementation of assignments similar to the community asset mapping project studied herein.

From “At Risk” to “Dangerous” People. The Roma Between Development Policies and Practices of Expulsion

Over more than three decades since the fall of state socialism in Central and Eastern Europe, the position of the Roma in the region is rather ambivalent. Numerous European institutions, inter-governmental development agencies, national governments and European and national/local non-governmental organizations are involved in a pan-European effort to turn the tide for the Roma. The paper argues that although there are numerous efforts to implement development policies and programs to bridge the gap between Roma and non-Roma, there is still a gap between the discourses and inclusion policies developed at the European and national level and those at the sub-national level. There is a tendency to move away from the framing of Roma as an “at risk” group to seeing them as “dangerous people”, who pose threats to the security of others. The paper uses two sets of data sources. First, it employs a secondary analysis of three recent databases: – SocioRoMap – Sociographic mapping of Roma communities in Romania for community-level monitoring of changes regarding Roma integration (2017) and two surveys conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2011 and 2016). The second data source is based on semi-structured interviews carried out in several research projects that the author has participated in over the last few years. In conclusion, I argue that the two political projects of institutional developmentalism and securitization of the lifestyle of the poorest Roma can coexist, but the abandonment of the former can lead to complex social problems in the future.

Water infrastructure sustainability challenge in Nigeria: A detailed examination of infrastructure failures and potential solutions

ABSTRACT Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 – universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water – is a critical global challenge. This study contributes to this aim by analyzing the functionality and sustainability of rural water boreholes in Nigeria. It employs GIS mapping, Spearman's rho correlation analysis, and interviews across 1,696 communities to investigate borehole failure dynamics, the impact of multidimensional poverty index (MPI) on water access, technical failure causes, and the influence of ownership on functionality. Findings show that while 49.8% of communities lack improved water sources, 25.5 benefit from functional boreholes, and 24.5 grapple with failures. This study reveals a complex relationship between MPI and water access, with community ownership associated with better functionality. Consequently, the study proposes holistic strategies, emphasizing community mapping and smart infrastructure, to enhance water system sustainability. Although the study is centered in Nigeria, its insights are applicable to regions with similar socio-economic conditions, contributing to the global pursuit of sustainable water access in alignment with SDG 6.1.

From Concept to Community Impact: the ABCD Model's Trailblazing Role in Community Service Programs

Objective: This study aims to develop a unique model for the Community Service Program (CSP) at UIN Imam Bonjol Padang by emphasising the ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) approach. Methodology: Involving CSP activities from 2016 to 2023, this study aims to enrich the CSP program by integrating innovative strategies in community empowerment. The research adopted the 4D Model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate) for model development, by organising the CSP framework. Using a qualitative approach, the research method involved appreciative inquiry, community mapping, field interviews, and surveys in 10 districts/cities in West Sumatra. Analyses of CSP activities reveal distinctive patterns-Thematic CSP, CSP-PPM, and different types of CSP-that impact community empowerment. Results: The findings emphasise the need for structured, sustainable, and tailored CSP programs, with an emphasis on continuity of planning, program stability, and sustained impact for lasting community benefit. This study presents an ABCD pattern of service-learning, emphasising collaboration, asset building, and problem-solving, contained within the 4D framework. Conclusion: The model highlights structured planning stages, debriefing rules, and comprehensive engagement strategies that are essential for the implementation of impactful service-learning.

From volunteer ping to community map - The CHS’ Community Hydrography Program

To support coastal communities in collecting and using bathymetric data in the nearshore areas they depend on for travel, hunting, and fishing, the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) launched its Community Hydrography Program in 2022. The Program was developed by examining the successes and shortcomings in the documentation of past community hydrography initiatives. Its method focuses on the timely generation of results, namely to maintain project participants’ motivation and engagement. A use case demonstrates how community-collected bathymetry data paired with satellite data led to the creation of a community map in just 18 days.

DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION ANALYSIS OF SOUTHERN SIERRA MADRE, PHILIPPINES USING GOOGLE EARTH ENGINE AND COMMUNITY MAPPING

Abstract. Google Earth Engine (GEE) has empowered researchers to map and monitor vegetation cover through the utilization of satellite imagery and cloud-computing resources. This study employed such platform to evaluate deforestation and forest degradation (DFD) in the Southern Sierra Madre Mountain range, where historical and current evidence underscores ongoing degradation. This research endeavors to capitalize on GEE to generate land cover maps for the Southern Sierra Madre region, specifically in General Nakar, Quezon, and in Rodriguez, Rizal and to present the changes that occurred during three specific years: 2016, 2019, and 2022. Community mapping activities were also conducted in these municipalities to further validate the results from GEE. The findings indicate that forested lands predominantly encompassed both municipalities, albeit exhibiting a declining pattern for successive years. Analysis of land cover maps revealed that in General Nakar, most of the forest areas converted to shrublands are found in the barangays of Umiray and Pagsangahan while for Rodiguez, most of the forest areas converted to shrublands were found to be in Marikina Watershed Forest Reserve and in Puray. Community mapping unveiled that DFD factors such as kaingin, infrastructure extension, timber poaching, small-scale mining, charcoal making, and natural hazards are also present in these areas. With the availability of these openly available cloud-computing platforms, aided by inputs from members of the communities, efficient monitoring and implementation of interventions may be realized.