Participatory Geographical Information Systems in Development Studies

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are computerised systems used to create, manage, analyse and visualise spatial information of any kind. At the heart of these systems is GIS software, which typically links various attribute data tables with digital georeferenced map objects. GIS is widely used in all sectors of society, from transport to natural resource assessment and from land use planning to marketing. As such, knowledge of and proficiency in GIS is highly valued in the labour market.

The importance and use of GIS in development research is rapidly increasing. Qualitative development research methods, such as participatory reflection and action (PRA), can be combined with GIS to make use of the best aspects of both methods. Participatory GIS was born as a result of this fusion.

Participatory GIS in Development Studies course is a part of the Master’s Degree Programme in Geoinformatics, co-ordinated by the Department of Geosciences and Geography at the University of Helsinki. The course provides an overview of geographical information systems and remote sensing as well as their use in participatory research focused on developing countries. Participants will learn to apply these methods in various research contexts and explore their potential use and limitations.

The course consists of lectures, reading material, hands-on learning exercises, group work and fieldwork based on real-life data. The lectures and reading material introduce the theory and concepts of GIS as well as the participatory research methods used in development studies. The hands-on exercises familiarise students with desktop GIS software and some of its basic tools and structures. The fieldwork will involve working in groups to collect data from the Arabianranta residential area using GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers and digital cameras. This course is particularly well-suited to Master’s degree students in geography, biology, and the social sciences. Previous knowledge of GIS is not required.

Please direct any questions concerning the content of this course to the course coordinator, Mr. Tino Johansson, tino.johansson(at)helsinki.fi. Any question concerning the general arrangements (accommodation, scholarship, etc.) should be addressed to the Summer School's office at summer-school@helsinki.fi