This article in the online ICT Update, describes the use of
participatory GIS [Geographic Information Systems] in
Namibia’s Communal Area Conservancies. The approach used by the Conservancy
Programme, according to the authors, is
innovative in not only capturing local knowledge of an area through participation
of local residents, but in improving the spatial accuracy of those maps through
a geo-referencing procedure.



The mapping procedure the authors describe follows several steps that involve both
local resident participation and the work of either local or outside GIS
specialists. Process steps include:

1. Produce hand-drawn maps during village mapping workshops.
2. Transfer information from the hand drawn maps onto an orthophoto base map, prepared with accurate location of local features like schools, shops, water pumps.
3. Trace overlays of new data from base map.
4. Digitise traced maps individually.
5. Superimpose the numerous the digitised maps to "to produce a composite map showing land use patterns, including areas reserved

   
   for tourism and wildlife, grazing, forestry and trophy hunting."

6. Add conservancy logo to composite maps.
7. Provide quality checks.
8. Print and distribute hard copies.

The full procedure, according to the authors, has been formalised into a guideline
Standard Operating Procedure document.



Through this process, local residents have received on-the-job training in digitising of the hand-drawn maps. One upcoming challenge, according to the organisers,
is increasing the local GIS skillset so that the local populations can produce their own
custom maps.



This article describes four advantages of the process described