Responding to climate change : use of public participation GIS to understand preferences of Adelaide park visitors
Date
2011
Authors
Weber, D.L.
Brown, G.
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Conference paper
Citation
ICWES 15: the 15th international conference for women engineers and scientists, 2011, pp.296-305
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15th International Conference for Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES) (19 Jul 2011 : Adelaide, South Australia)
Abstract
Climate change provides a wonderful example of the need for transdisciplinary research. However, the difficulties of bringing various partners together to contribute to climate change research in a strategic manner has thwarted many well-intended researchers. Whilst the use of geographical information system (GIS) technology in mapping biodiversity, hydrology and even fire risk has been prolific, little attention has been provided to how this technology can also facilitate the collection of social data and provide a platform that allows for integrated and coherent results among disciplines. A study in a selection of parks in the Adelaide metropolitan area revealed strong support for strategies such as improving public transport, increasing use of water sensitive grass, addition of urban forests, and the establishment of community gardens. Low levels of support were associated with strategies such as allowing natural water features to dry up, increasing the amount of paved areas and seasonal closure of some parks. A prototype internet based PPGIS system with a Google map interface has been developed to enable participants to map the areas of the parks they use, how they use them and indicate whether or not they would still use them this way, if the temperature increased. They can also map those areas they feel would be most appropriate for a variety of climate mitigation strategies. The project is the first step in a larger project that will provide valuable insights into how we can optimise use of Adelaide's parks, from a variety of perspectives, including climate change, economic, biodiversity and health.
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Copyright 2011 Engineers Australia