AbstractsSocial Sciences

Providing citizens with the robust and suitable tools to effectively participate in the planning process is a necessity nowadays. Also, changes in the capabilities and popularity of new technologies have dramatically raised the number of technology-based tools that are potentially available for enhancing public participation in the planning process. This study explores both the theoretical aspect of collaborative planning and the effects that Web-based Public Participatory GIS (WPPGIS) applications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has on the planning process. Findings indicate that the WPPGIS applications have the potential for increasing participation. It is also found that besides the contextual elements like the attitudes of planners and decision makers, the technological features such as proper user interface, price of software, technical and literacy skills are seen as crucial hindrances to bridging the planning process and technology-based solutions. This research also attempts to combine IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum and technological functionalities into a single framework to understand the implementation of WPPGIS applications in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Finally, based on the given criteria and assessment of the reviewed applications, this study concludes with the design and implementation of a prototype WPPGIS application using Open-Source Technologies (OST).