Grassroot Geographic Information Systems : an examination of spatial information technologies in the local community context: the case of Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

Grassroots Geographic Information Systems : An Examination of Spatial Information Technologies in the Local Community Context: The Case of Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland. The use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), by community based and non-governmental organisations in society is a growing phenomenon. This research undertook a longitudinal study of the design and implementation of a new grassroots model of Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) in the Tallaght community of Dublin, Ireland. This research spanned three years of regular observations of local residents and workers for Community Based Organisations (CBOs) engaged in various community development activities and initiatives.