Community development and land resources planning using GIS internet mapping

This research project applies a web based Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping service for purposes of community development and land resources planning. It aims to develop a community based initiative for implementing environmental sustainability and social revitalisation. Developing a spatial information and graphical technology system can support community decision making. The ability to visualise data in map form enhances the usefulness of information, which can lead to improved management systems and strategic thinking. A prototype of the GIS Internet mapping system was developed in this research project focusing on a particular Australian urban community, the CERES Community (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies). CERES is a model of an environmentally sustainable and economically viable community network. It provides an excellent case of a community developing their own planning strategies in resource management with an interactive tool that is easy to use and understand. Whilst seemingly having a local impact on the environment and people, there are global environmental implications to this work and an important role for the broader civil community in developing sustainable communities. The research project has been developed as a participatory community based mapping project, where community members can have input into their own development. Involving the community builds a sense of ownership and awareness of their local environment. The Internet mapping prototype can instigate grassroots approaches to land, natural resource, social and environmental management. The map and database system developed can contribute to a more comprehensive approach to decision making through the effective distribution of information. An outcome of this research project is to empower people to make informed decisions, and facilitate community mobilisation and ownership of land management issues