This book reports on some of the key issues connected with the use of citizen sensors in mapping. It arises from a European Co-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action, which explored issues linked to topics ranging from citizen motivation, data acquisition, data quality and the use of citizen derived data in the production of maps that rival, and sometimes surpass, maps arising from authoritative agencies.
Mapping activities have benefitted greatly from recent advances in geoinformation technologies. Satellite remote sensing now offers unparalleled data acquisition and authoritative mapping agencies have developed systems for the routine production of maps in accordance with strict standards. Until recently, much mapping activity was in the exclusive realm of authoritative agencies but technological development has also allowed the rise of the amateur mapping community. The proliferation of inexpensive and highly mobile and location aware devices together with Web 2.0 technology allows the emergence of the citizen as a source of data. Mapping benefits from vast amounts of spatial data as well as people able to provide observations of geographic phenomena, which might inform map production, revision and evaluation.
The great potential of these developments is, however, often limited by a number of concerns. The latter span issues from the nature of the citizens through the way data are collected and shared to the quality and trustworthiness of the data.
Enhorabuena Olga!
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