Richard Kingston

Web-based public participation geographical information systems: an aid to local environmental decision-making

Current research examining the potential of the World-Wide Web as a means of increasing public participation in local environmental decision making in the UK is discussed. The paper considers traditional methods of public participation and argues that new Internet-based technologies have the potential to widen participation in the UK planning system. Evidence is provided of the potential and actual benefits of online spatial decision support systems in the UK through a real environmental decision support problem in a village in northern England. The paper identifies key themes developing in this area of Web-based geographical information systems (GIS) and provides a case-study example of an online public participation GIS from inception to the final phase in a public participation process. It is shown that in certain UK planning problems and policy formulation processes, participatory online systems are a useful means of informing and engaging the public and can potentially bring the public closer to a participatory planning system.

Public participation, GIS, and cyberdemocracy: evaluating on-line spatial decision support systems

In this paper we describe the development of Internet-based approaches to public participation and on-line spatial decision support systems in particular. Two case studies in developing web-based public participation GIS (PPGIS), one local and one regional, are described in detail. Results from the live testing of these systems are shown. These are discussed in the light of recent developments in ‘cyberdemocracy’ and conclusions are drawn about principles of on-line PPGIS and problems associated with public participation, user interaction, and familiarity with IT, copyright issues, access to the Internet, and relevant political structures.

Public Participation in Local Policy Decision-Making: the Role of Web-Based Mapping

Abstract New methods of using on-line interactive mapping are reported with a specific focus on how citizens can participate in the delivery and management of everyday services in their neighbourhood. Particular emphasis will be placed on how ICTs can be used to facilitate the regeneration of inner city neighbourhoods through more integrated approaches to spatial data management. The paper examines how internet mapping is used by the public through an interactive Public Participation GIS and illustrates how public access to on-line maps can help deliver improved services to local communities through the integration of GIS with a range of public services. This has raised some interesting issues in relation to how people understand mapping and their methods of navigation using such a system. With governments across the globe investing heavily in e-Government which includes on-line mapping facilities it is interesting to examine how the public actually perceive and use such systems.

Democratic input into the nuclear waste disposal problem: The influence of geographical data on decision making examined through a Web-based GIS

Abstract.This paper elucidates the manner in which users of an online decision support system respond to spatially distributed data when assessing the solution to environmental risks, specifically, nuclear waste disposal. It presents tests for revealing whether users are responding to geographical data and whether they are influenced by their home location (Not in My Back Yard – style behavior). The tests specifically cope with problems associated with testing home-to-risk distances where both locations are constrained by the shape of the landmass available. In addition, we detail the users’ wider feelings towards such a system, and reflect upon the possibilities such systems offer for participatory democracy initiatives.

Developing and Testing an Online Tool for Teaching GIS Concepts Applied to Spatial Decision-Making.

The development and testing of a Web‐based GIS e‐learning resource is described. This focuses on the application of GIS for siting a nuclear waste disposal facility and the associated principles of spatial decision‐making using Boolean and weighted overlay methods. Initial student experiences in using the system are analysed as part of a research project on teaching GIS concepts to large numbers of students with little or no prior GIS experience. Some general thoughts on the utility of Web‐based GIS for learning and teaching are presented. Results from the first cohort of 167 undergraduate/postgraduate geography students using the system indicate that students find it easy to use, a useful aid to learning about the issues involved, and a thought‐provoking exercise in Internet‐based democracy.

Building a Spatial Microsimulation-Based Planning Support System for Local Policy Making:

This paper presents a spatial microsimulation modelling and predictive policy analysis system called Micro-MaPPAS, a Planning Support System (PSS) constructed for a local strategic partnership in a large metropolitan area of the UK. The innovative feature of this system is the use of spatial microsimulation techniques for the enhancement of local policy decision making in connection with the neighbourhood renewal strategy. The paper addresses the relevant data issues and technical aspects of the linkage of spatial microsimulation modelling frameworks to PSS and deals with the wider implications that such a linkage may have to local policy and planning procedures. Finally, the paper presents some illustrative examples of the policy relevance and policy analysis potential of the software.

Public Participation via On-line Democracy

This chapter will examine the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web as a medium for carrying out public consultation and participation in environmental decision-making in the UK. Focusing on two case study examples, the authors illustrate how web-based public participation GIS (PPGIS) can facilitate and increase participation in local and regional planning decisions. The chapter illustrates how Internet technologies have been developed and applied, drawing upon research (ESRC 2000) that examined the potential and actual benefits of using on-line PPGIS. Potential and future applications are examined, making recommendations and suggesting best practice techniques in implementing a web-based public participation strategy for a local or regional planning exercise. The systems which are under development are aimed primarily for use by public bodies, particularly planning authorities, who have to undertake public consultations as part of their statutory function.

Development of a climate change risk and vulnerability assessment tool for urban areas

Purpose – Assessment of climate change risks and vulnerability is essential in order to inform and implement appropriate adaptation strategies. Disastrous effects of extreme weather events such as the heat waves across Europe in 2003 highlight the adaptation imperative. Regional spatial planning and urban design can help to reduce the vulnerability of communities to these risks. The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of an assessment tool, which highlights climate change risks and vulnerabilities in urban areas, and the results of pilot and user testing with the Green and Blue Space Adaptation for Urban Areas and Eco Towns (GRaBS) project partners.Design/methodology/approach – The tool follows the principles of an online public participation GIS, and is built using the Google Maps Interface. The approach is based on a risk framework, focusing on the three elements; hazard, vulnerability and exposure. Thus, the assessment tool assesses vulnerability of population and infrastructure in ur...

Using a Spatial Microsimulation Decision Support System for Policy Scenario Analysis

This paper discusses the potential of a spatial microsimulation-based decision support system for policy analysis. The system can be used to describe current conditions and issues in neighbourhoods, predict future trends in the composition and health of neighbourhoods and conduct modelling and predictive analysis to measure the likely impact of policy interventions at the local level. A large dynamic spatial micro-simulation model is being constructed for the population of Leeds (approximately 715,000 individuals) based on spatial microsimulation techniques in conjunction with a range of data, including 2001 Census data for Output Areas and sample data from the British Household Panel Survey. The project has three main aims as follows: (i) to develop a static microsimulation model to describe current conditions in Leeds; (ii) to enable the performance of ‘What if?’ analysis on a range of policy scenarios; and (iii) to develop a dynamic microsimulation model to predict future conditions in Leeds under different policy scenarios. The paper reports progress in meeting the above aims and outlines the associated difficulties and data issues. One of the significant advantages of the spatial microsimulation approach adopted by this project is that it enables the user to query any combination of variables that is deemed desirable for policy analysis. The paper will illustrate the software tool being developed in the context of this project that is capable of carrying out queries of this type and of mapping their results. The decision support tool is being developed to support policy-makers concerned with urban regeneration and neighbourhood renewal.

A new geodemographic classification of commuting flows for England and Wales

ABSTRACT This paper aims to contribute to the area of geodemographic research through the development of a new and novel flow-based classification of commuting for England and Wales. In doing so, it applies an approach to the analysis of commuting in which origin-destination flow-data, collected as part of the 2011 census of England and Wales, are segmented into groups based on shared similarities across multiple demographic and socioeconomic attributes. k-Means clustering was applied to 49 flow-based commuter variables for 513,892 interactions that captured 18.4 million of the 26.5 million workers recorded as part of the 2011 census of England and Wales. The final classification resulted in an upper-tier of nine ‘Supergroups’ which were subsequently partitioned to derive a lower-tier of 40 ‘Groups’. A nomenclature was developed and associated pen portraits derived to provide basic signposting to the dominant characteristics of each cluster. Analysis of a selection of patterns underlying the ninefold Supergroup configuration revealed a highly variegated structure of commuting in England and Wales. The classification has potentially wide-ranging descriptive and analytical applications within research and policy domains and the approach would be equally transferable to other countries and contexts where origin-destination data are disaggregated based on commuter characteristics.