Home // COLLA 2016, The Sixth International Conference on Advanced Collaborative Networks, Systems and Applications // View article

Collaborative Mapping and the Reliability of Volunteered Data

Authors:
Christian Voigt
Susanne Dobner
Manuela Schmidt

Keywords: participation platforms; digital maps; volunteered geographic information; participatory design

Abstract:
Participation platforms, such as OpenStreetMap.org or Wheelmap.org represent a shift from a world defined by the few to a world where almost everyone can participate voluntarily. Emerging cultures of participation offer powerful mechanisms to raise awareness of some of today's most pressing societal problems. However, just because citizens could contribute to these platforms, does not mean that they will actually do it. Engaging volunteers and offering straight-forward means of participation whilst simultaneously ensuring that volunteers meet the necessary quality standards remains a known challenge. In this paper, we explore the robustness of a collaborative mapping process, specifically collecting accessibility data of cities' built environment. The paper combines theoretical considerations from the field of participatory de-sign and actual data from the authors' recent experiences with crowdsourcing open accessibility information. Finally, the paper makes the case for enhancing a categorical approach to mapping with a stronger consideration of a map's purpose and a healthy skepticism towards overly simplified crowdsourcing mechanisms.

Pages: 1 to 8

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2016

Publication date: November 13, 2016

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4227

ISBN: 978-1-61208-517-3

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Dates: from November 13, 2016 to November 17, 2016