Online Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) as a landscape and public use management tool: a case study from the Ebro Delta Natural Park (Spain)

Abstract

This paper presents a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) application conducted in the Ebro Delta Natural Park, Spain. It aims to support decision-making and management activities. The application is based on an online PPGIS questionnaire using Google Maps API. Participants were asked about the spatial and temporal usage while visiting the Natural Park, about their landscape preferences, and appreciations. A set of eight pairs of bipolar adjectives related to landscape characteristics and experience, four items related to public use, and nine to leisure activities were used. In total, 204 valid answers and 3,969 georeferenced opinions were mapped by this case study. The results of this mapping give insights in the use, perception and appreciation of landscape naturalness and aesthetic beauty, accessibility, facilities, services, and signposting. Furthermore, this study discuss the outcomes of mapping the results and how they support the park management with regard to the identification of conflicts, and the need for action. Finally, this study discuss potentials and limitations of PPGIS as a tool for public participation to capture visitors’ experiential knowledge in order to optimize and enhance the management of protected areas.