| Dear members of the Participatory Mapping Working Group at the International Cartographic Association, I hope you are all doing well. As the holiday season is getting closer, I would like to send you the last newsletter of 2025 with some news/updates/info. I am sorry for ratřher longer email, but there has been quite a lot happening lately! Firstly, The International Cartographic Association is currently revising the “ICA Research Agenda”, which was published in 2009 (more than 16 years ago!). The aim is to identify key research questions and challenges that are essential for the discipline of Cartography and GIScience in the next 10-15 years, or beyond. We (working groups’ and commissions’ chairs) were asked to contribute to the new research agenda. I think it would be great, if we can all participate, therefore I have created a short survey (questions I got from the ICA) for all of you. In case you want to give me your suggestions/answers, please do so within a week, thanks! Secondly, The Working Group on Inclusive Cartography is organising their second seminar that will take place on December 11th. Please see the updated link below and I hope to see you in two weeks! Seminar 2 – Brandon Biggs, Software Engineer at The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, CEO at XR Navigation, and PhD Candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology Date: 11th December 2025 15:00 CET Link: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/91462112266?pwd=aDICLbDa2vQdG2fqYgbbUBuovWcxzy.1 Meeting ID: 914 6211 2266 Passcode: 757356 Abstract: This presentation will share methods for systematically assessing and designing complex digital spatial diagrams and maps that meet ADA accessibility standards. The strategies apply to a wide range of contexts, including municipal GIS data, campus layouts, building plans, and anatomical charts. Topics will include alternate text, full keyboard navigation, and adequate non-text contrast. In the past, accessibility could often be achieved by identifying a map’s “primary purpose” and providing it in text form. However, new research and technological developments have made this approach insufficient for compliance. The session will introduce techniques such as interactive alt text and comprehensive written descriptions, ensuring that information about distance, direction, shape, size, orientation, and overall layout of points, polygons, and lines is both accessible and easy to create. Participants will also learn how to enable full keyboard control of all features and meet a 3:1 contrast ratio. By the end, attendees will have a practical toolkit for assessing maps for ADA compliance and implementing accessible map design. Speaker bio: Brandon Biggs is an entrepreneur, researcher, inclusive designer, developer, and life-long learner. He is the CEO of XR Navigation, an Engineer at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, Co-Founder and board treasurer at Sonja Biggs Educational Services Inc., and a PhD student at the Georgia institute of Technology. In 2016, he received his bachelor’s in music from California State University East Bay, in 2019 he received his masters in Inclusive Design from the Ontario College of Art and Design University, and in 2021, began his PhD in Human Centered Computing from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is almost completely blind due to Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). His projects and ventures center around building tools to solve some of the most difficult problems in the blindness field. He leverages his lived experience coupled with human centered inclusive design principles to create solutions that create lasting and sustainable impact. To achieve this goal, Brandon is half entrepreneur and half academic. Thirdly, we are excited to share the info about latest publications of Giacomo Rambaldi in the area of Participatory 3D Modelling (P3DM) -updated handbook and new introductory guide to Participatory 3D Modelling (P3DM) for Protected and Conserved Areas, launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress! 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞: you can read this to learn how P3DM can help you to advance towards equitable and inclusive planning and management in protected and conserved areas, meaningfully involving all actors in the process. It is short and to the point: https://lnkd.in/dfcqsZhh 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: this is a re-edition of the original manual. It is a detailed account on how to do it, for those who want to know more about P3DM or have decided to run a P3DM excersise: https://lnkd.in/dCT8UWiX . Furthermore, we would like to invite you to the International Conference on Urban e-Planning, the annual event of the Urban e-Planning Research Network (UEPNET), will have its 10th edition in 2026. It is organized in collaboration with the International Journal of E-Planning Research (IJEPR). It will be held online from 8–10 April 2026, from Lisbon, Portugal. The conference brings together interdisciplinary research on innovative theory and practice in Urban e-Planning, including new methods and digital tools. The Conference also receives brief, practice-focused presentations. We invite papers on the digital revolution—particularly AI—and its effects on urban planning and development. We welcome theoretical and empirical submissions on, but not limited to, the following themes: Track 1 – Smart Urban Governance and e-Planning Track 2 – Artificial Intelligence in Urban Governance Track 3 – Citizens e-Participation in Urban Governance Track 4 – Urban e-Planning and Social Issues Track 5 – Urban e-Planning, Biodiversity and Climate Emergency Track 6 – Planning for a Nomad Workforce Track 7 – Platform Urbanism and the Virtual Urban Economy Track 8 – Decolonising Smart Cities: Towards Plural and Just Digital Futures Track 9 – The Education of Urban e-Planners and Planning Ethics Participation is free of charge. Deadline for abstract submission: 15 January 2026 More information here (Call for Papers): https://sites.google.com/view/uep2026conference/call-for-papers Conference email: ijepr.conference@gmail.com Conference website: https://sites.google.com/view/uep2026conference/home Call for Abstracts – Reinventing participatory Governance for more sustainable cities and regions – Istanbul, Turkey – 15–16 August 2026 The 2026 Annual Conference of CoGG is supported by the kind cooperation of Turkish Geographical Society and Istanbul University and will take place two days earlier the 2026 IRC Regional Conference, organised by the Turkish Geographical Society and Istanbul University under the auspices of the International Geographical Union (IGU), which will be held in Istanbul between 17-21 August 2026 at Istanbul University. Turkey. In the IRC Regional Conference our Commission is actively participating with no.3 Sessions under the track of C24.15-Geography of Governance and where we kindly ask you to participate by submitting an abstract (https://www.irc2026.org/en/Geography-of-Governance.html). The IGU COMMISSION ON GEOGRAPHY OF GOVERNANCE 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE on “ Reinventing participatory Governance for more sustainable cities and regions” seeks to advance knowledge of the geography of territorial governance at the urban, local and regional levels, pushing to address sustainable development mainly considering urban development in the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goal 11, “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. The Conference is organized into three main tracks each addressing several related themes, together with a fourth more broadly focused track addressing issues and developments in the geography of governance. We invite theoretical and empirical contributions addressing that concern various aspects of sustainable cities and communities We welcome abstracts, but not limited, to the following themes: Track 1 – Participatory Governance for the future of sustainable urban peripheries Track 2 – Local government and participatory governance Track 3 – Participatory governance and Spatial Planning It is expected that the publication of a selection of the papers in a book or an International Journal. Deadline for abstract submission: 31 March 2026 Participation: hybrid participation, and no admissions fee. More information here (Call for Papers): https://sites.google.com/view/igucogg Conference email: igugovernance@gmail.com Regarding the communication channels: For more “professional” visibility/networking we have newly established a LinkedIn profile – please join us, if you are on LinkedIn and tag us, while posting about participatory mapping. For more up-to-date/urgent/modern communication we established a Discord room/channel – join us, if you use Discord. In case you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Jirka Pánek chair of the PMWG |
Participatory Mapping Working Group newsletter (October)
Dear members of the Participatory Mapping Working Group at the International Cartographic Association,
I hope you are all doing well. First of all, I would like to inform you about the results of our short survey regarding the publication strategy (so far 15 members voted, but the survey is still open – short survey.
Two-thirds of you prefer “more text-based, general paper on usage of Participatory Mapping (Cartographic journal, International Journal of Cartography, etc.) style special issue and we will look at this option. Some of you would also prefer a “Journal of Maps” special issue. We also got tips for possible journals, so we will look at it in the following weeks.
We also got an invitation from the Working Group on Inclusive Cartography regarding their webinar serie:
Seminar 1 – Vincent van Altena, senior researcher, Kadaster, the Netherlands, co-chair ICA Working Group on Inclusive Cartography and Jakub Wabiński, researcher and lecturer, Institute of Geospatial Engineering and Geodesy, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Military University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
Date: 9 October 15:00 CET
Link: https://meet.google.com/dwr-ytbz-cih
Abstract: One of the recent achievements of the group is the publication Tactile Mapping – cartography for people with visual impairments – a collaboration of more than 30 contributors from over the world, sharing insights from academia, practitioners and personal stories from people with visual impairments. Vincent and Jakub will discuss the concepts behind the initiative, the impact they hope the book will have on knowledge sharing, and elaborate on the process in bringing an idea to fruition. As a sneak preview, they will also share some highlights from the book. At the end of the session there will be time for Q&A.
Seminar 2 – Brandon Biggs, Software Engineer at The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, CEO at XR Navigation, and PhD Candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology
Date: 11th December 2025 15:00 CET
Link: https://meet.google.com/dvj-qsqu-cbm
Abstract: This presentation will share methods for systematically assessing and
designing complex digital spatial diagrams and maps that meet ADA accessibility standards. The strategies apply to a wide range of contexts, including municipal GIS data, campus layouts, building plans, and anatomical charts. Topics will include alternate text, full keyboard navigation, and adequate non-text contrast. In the past, accessibility could often be achieved by identifying a map’s “primary purpose” and providing it in text form. However, new research and technological developments have made this approach insufficient for compliance. The session will introduce techniques such as interactive alt text and comprehensive written descriptions, ensuring that information about distance, direction, shape, size, orientation, and overall layout of points, polygons, and lines is both accessible and easy to create. Participants will also
learn how to enable full keyboard control of all features and meet a 3:1 contrast ratio. By the end, attendees will have a practical toolkit for assessing maps for ADA compliance and implementing accessible map design.
Regarding the communication channels:
- For more “professional” visibility/networking we have newly established a LinkedIn profile – please join us, if you are on LinkedIn and tag us, while posting about participatory mapping.
- For more up-to-date/urgent/modern communication we established a Discord room/channel – join us, if you use Discord.
In case you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Jirka Pánek
chair of the PMWG
Participatory Mapping Working Group communication and publications updates
| Dear members of the Participatory Mapping Working Group at the International Cartographic Association. During our meeting in Vancouver, we had several discussions on how we should communicate with you (our members) and how we should continue with joint publications in the future. This newsletter brings you some updates on these two important topics. Communication channels: – Once in 1-2 months, we will have a newsletter like this one and if you are interested in showcasing your work, or informing the PMWG members about your activities, please contact me. – For more “professional” visibility/networking we have newly established a LinkedIn profile – please join us, if you are on LinkedIn and tag us, while posting about participatory mapping. – For more up-to-date/urgent/modern communication we established a Discord room/channel – join us, if you use Discord. Regarding the communication strategy, please fill in this very short (1 minute) survey about your publication preferences, as we currently have several Special Issue options and we would love to hear your ideas! In case you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Jirka Pánek chair of the PMWG |
Participatory Mapping Working Group pre-ICC workshop (notes and summary)
Report on the Participatory Mapping Working Group (PMWG) Workshop
Dates: August 14–16, 2025
Locations: UBC Campus, Vancouver, Canada
Introduction
The Participatory Mapping Working Group (PMWG) convened its workshop at the University of British Columbia between August 14 and 16, 2025, with financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The event brought together scholars, practitioners, and community representatives to exchange knowledge, foster collaborations, and strengthen the foundations of participatory mapping (PM) within the International Cartographic Association (ICA). The three-day programme combined keynote presentations, thematic discussions, networking sessions, and field-based learning, with a strong emphasis on building relationships across disciplines and communities. In total, we had over 30 participants in Vancouver.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The workshop opened with a land acknowledgement and a series of keynote addresses that set the tone for the upcoming sessions. Giacomo Rambaldi, pioneer and long-term international leader of participatory mapping and PGIS (founder of PPGIS.net, etc.), shared lessons from decades of engagement in participatory GIS and mapping projects worldwide (his keynote is available here).
Giacomo’s talk was followed by Drew Blaney, Culture and Heritage Manager of the Tla’Amin Nation. Drew offered an Indigenous perspective on the cultural significance of participatory mapping (presentation available here).
Following these presentations, participants introduced themselves through structured networking sessions. This enabled the group to better understand the diversity of experiences, geographic contexts, and thematic interests represented. All of the “3-slides-intro-presentations” are available here.
During the first day, we also had the opportunity to visit the Pacific Museum of Earth for a short excursion.
The day concluded with breakout discussions on thematic connections across the PMWG (Ethics & Good practice; AI, technology and data (validity); OpenEducation and Open resources; Complex entanglements and more-than-human approaches), laying the groundwork for shared priorities. In the evening, participants gathered at Green College for a reception that fostered further networking.
Day 2: Research and Impact
The second day focused on charting a research agenda and reflecting on the impacts of participatory mapping. Jon Corbett and Jirka Pánek opened the morning by revisiting key emergent themes from Day 1 and framing goals for the day ahead.
This was followed by a keynote from Dr. Victoria Fast (University of Calgary). Victoria focused on creating maps for users with mobility disabilities. Her presentation and papers mentioned during the keynote are available here.
The second keynote by Guarav Thapa (UC Davis/UBC) titled “Beyond Boundaries: Replicating Participatory Mapping from Pokhara to Indore” (available here) was a showcase of successful participatory mapping projects from Nepal.
A second excursion took us to the X̱wi7x̱wa Library, that is the centre for academic and community Indigenous scholarship on the UBC Vancouver campus. Its collections and services reflect Indigenous approaches to teaching, learning, and research.
In the afternoon, participants examined the Atlas of the Unanticipated as a case study, assessing both its methodological contributions and its broader social relevance.
The final session of the day, co-led by Jirka Panek and Jon Corbett, looked ahead to future opportunities. Participants identified priorities for collaboration, funding applications, publication strategies, and the development of a communication network to sustain engagement beyond the workshop. The evening ended with an informal night at Koerners Pub.
Day 3: Field Trip and Closing
The final day provided an opportunity to reflect in a more unstructured setting. The workshop participants agreed to establish frequent communication via Discord (more urgent matters) and an e-mail-based newsletter (every 2-3 months) for less urgent matters. After lunch, the participants visited the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, which provided a unique insight into Indigenous cultures and heritage in British Columbia.
Key Outcomes
Several outcomes emerged clearly from the workshop:
- Establishment of the PM Commission within ICA – Participants affirmed their commitment to formally organise as a commission (higher stage/form than the working group), providing a platform for ongoing collaboration.
- Networking and Community Building – The workshop successfully connected academics, practitioners, and Indigenous representatives, fostering a diverse and supportive network.
- Shared Research Agenda – Through keynotes and breakout groups, participants co-developed a set of research priorities, ranging from the ethics of mapping to the measurement of impact.
- Future Collaboration – Plans were made to pursue joint funding opportunities, co-authored publications, and continued knowledge exchange.
- Integration of Multiple Perspectives – The event reinforced the importance of blending scholarly insights with lived experiences, particularly from Indigenous communities.
Conclusion
The PMWG workshop at UBC marked a significant step in reconsolidating participatory mapping as a dynamic and collaborative field within the ICA. Through combining scholarly presentations, participatory discussions, and field experiences, the event created space for dialogue across disciplines and communities. The outcomes highlight a commitment to building stronger research and practitioner networks, co-developing research agendas, and ensuring that participatory mapping remains both impactful and inclusive.
The momentum generated at this workshop provides a strong foundation for the continued growth of the participatory mapping activities within the ICA, with tangible pathways for collaboration, publication, and community engagement in the years ahead.
Minutes from the first e-meeting of the ICA Working Group on Participatory Mapping
On 23rd January 2025 we had our very first e-meeting, below you can find the minutes of the meeting. The Participatory Mapping Working Group’s first meeting (approx. 30 online participants + 2 AI notetakers), was led by Jirka Pánek. We discussed communication methods, with a preference for Slack or a combination of Slack and mailing lists. Jon Corbett and Niina Käyhkö introduced themselves and emphasized the importance of the group. The group is planning a pre-ICC workshop in Vancouver, funded by a Connections grant, aiming to bring together 30 participants, including local organizations and international mappers. The workshop will include lightning talks, visioning sessions, and a field trip. The group also discussed the importance of submitting abstracts for the ICC conference to establish the group’s presence.
You can read the full report here! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask (Jiri.Panek@upol.cz).
Welcome to the Participatory Mapping Working Group
The members of the Participatory Mapping Working Group are active cartographers, geographers, GIScientists, and Community Activists who work with and/or create participatory mapping products in their work, teaching as well as research.
In 2024 we organised a workshop during the European Cartographic Conference (EuroCarto) in Vienna and we plan to organise a session during the ICC in Vancouver 2025.
If you are interested in joining our mailing list – join us here!