The Use of Participatory GIS Innovation Methods in the Landscape Architecture Research in Olsztyn (POLAND)
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Walenciak, K.; 2Kozieł, Z.
1
2 Email: korzen@umk.pl
Abstract
The growth of volunteered geographic information (VGI) has opened new possibilities for citizen participation in shaping the spatial policy of cities. Data are placed on maps by means of applications that can be accessed by widely available Internet browsers. The cradle of Internet Crowdsourcing application in spatial planning is Finland. The softGIS method, involving geographic data collection with the use of geo-questionnaires placed on the maps was developed there. Currently, in Poland, the potential of this kind of practice is recognized by more and more institutions and organizations. The poster presents selected results of a master's thesis developed at the Faculty of Earth Sciences at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland). The work deals with the issues of planning and revitalization of Olsztyn urban green space with the use of the participatory GIS method (softGIS). A web application in the form of a softGIS questionnaire was designed and created for the study. The online survey, under the promotional slogan "Have Influence on Olsztyn Green Space!", was conducted from mid-October 2014 until the end of January 2015. On geoankietaolsztyn.pl website the respondents (residents of Olsztyn and the neighbourhood) expressed their opinions about green spaces and recreational areas in the city. On the basis of volunteered geographic information, analyses of urban open space perception have been made at three scales: the city, the housing estate, nearby surroundings.The study serves, to a large extent, to shape the social importance of urban green spaces in the City. In accordance with the principle of Danish architect, Jan Gehl, "First we shape the city - then it shapes us" - the public space should be people friendly, attract and retain them for a longer time. It should invite residents to various activities. They can provide valuable feedback on urban space, which combined with expert knowledge can result in very well-designed surroundings.The information collected about the Urban Greenery is an excellent material to be used primarily for creating Olsztyn Compensatory Planting Plan. The information about the recreational areas and amenities is an important hint to experts for the development of leisure and recreation offer and city revitalization projects.
Keywords
SoftGIS Questionnaire; Landscape Architecture; Urban Space