How to reach the hard to reach

Participatory GIS

According to recent research from the University of York in the United Kingdom, innovative participatory GIS techniques are able to assist in those segments of the community that are often regarded as "hard to reach".

The research looked at the dual concepts of sustainable development and successful urban regeneration, and identfied how both ideally require engagement with the affected communities. Existing methods employed by policymakers and planners often fail to reach significant segments of communities, the so-called 'hard-to-reach." In their article published in Area Journal, the authors write:

This paper describes the development of an innovative participatory GIS methodology specifically aimed at overcoming the barriers to engagement experienced by these groups. The application of the method is illustrated with reference to three recent case studies carried out in UK cities. The paper will then discuss the novelty of this approach in comparison with other participatory engagement techniques.

Citation

Steve Cinderby. 2010. "How to reach the 'hard-to-reach': the development of Participatory Geographic Information Systems (P-GIS) for inclusive urban design in UK cities. Area 42(2):239-251.

• For additional information, contact S. Cinderby, University of York, Stockholm Environmental Institute, York YO10 5DD, N Yorkshire, UK.