Methodological proposal for the inclusion of citizen participation in the management and planning of urban public spaces

Abstract

The appropriate planning of Areas of Public Space and Meeting (APSM) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens, particularly in developing countries where socio-economic disparities impact social and territorial cohesion. Engaging the local population in decision-making processes through public participation is crucial. This research endeavours to design and implement two geoinformatics tools aimed at streamlining data collection processes, thereby contributing to the democratization of urban planning and management. These tools, known as Field Geoform (FG) and Crowdsourcing Geoform (CG), have been successfully deployed in Comunne #9 of Monteria, Colombia. The collected data is presented systematically and in real-time through a web-based data visualization platform. FG offers a practical and efficient means of characterizing and assessing the physical and conservation status of APSM. On the other hand, CG empowers users of these areas to actively contribute valuable data. The trial to evaluate the functionality of CG confirms that the use of digital crowdsourcing tools, accessible to the community, gathers pertinent data regarding APSM. This mechanism greatly facilitates the efforts of those responsible for the restoration and maintenance of these infrastructures, as well as decision-makers within the realm of urban management.