The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas

In contemporary heritage management, participatory approaches play a crucial role in identifying and safeguarding values for a diverse range of stakeholders. This inclusive methodology involves professionals, local communities, historians, conservationists, and policymakers in conservation efforts....

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Main Authors: Hamid Salimi, Somayeh Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi, Rana Tootoonchi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: European Association of Geographers 2025-01-01
Series:European Journal of Geography
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Online Access:https://www.eurogeojournal.eu/index.php/egj/article/view/657
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author Hamid Salimi
Somayeh Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi
Rana Tootoonchi
author_facet Hamid Salimi
Somayeh Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi
Rana Tootoonchi
author_sort Hamid Salimi
collection DOAJ
description In contemporary heritage management, participatory approaches play a crucial role in identifying and safeguarding values for a diverse range of stakeholders. This inclusive methodology involves professionals, local communities, historians, conservationists, and policymakers in conservation efforts. Successfully addressing challenges in stakeholder engagement is crucial for promoting ownership and stewardship, thereby supporting sustainable conservation efforts. Various methods such as community workshops and collaborative mapping exercises have been adopted. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as a valuable tool in facilitating stakeholder participation. This research explores the potential of GIS in participatory heritage conservation. It aims to present principles and considerations to outline the practical application of GIS in engaging communities for heritage conservation. By bridging traditional heritage management practices with contemporary participatory methods, the research aims to enhance inclusive, informed, and sustainable conservation efforts. On this basis, qualitative methods and logical argumentation are used to analyze research content, drawing on qualitative and quantitative data from previous studies. A conceptual model is presented through a literature review, followed by an evaluation of five case studies from Iran, The USA, Finland, Egypt, and Spain that have utilized GIS in participatory planning processes. The research highlights GIS's capability to capture diverse social groups' perspectives on heritage values and priorities using participatory mapping. This integration of community insights empowers stakeholders in decision-making processes, enhancing inclusivity in heritage management and supporting community-driven initiatives for urban heritage preservation. Highlights: • This study explores the pivotal role of GIS in fostering participatory conservation efforts in heritage areas. • The research offering a framework which outlines key principles for GIS-based participatory conservation. • Through the evaluation of five diverse case studies, this research showcases the practical considerations of GIS in participatory conservation.
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spelling doaj-art-0d6e1e43e1f148359efcfe1a582d9ea72025-01-12T07:07:08ZengEuropean Association of GeographersEuropean Journal of Geography1792-13412410-74332025-01-0110.48088/ejg.si.spat.hum.h.sal.1.11668The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas Hamid Salimi0Somayeh Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi1Rana Tootoonchi2School of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, IranSchool of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, IranInstitute of Archaeology, Heritage Conservation and Art History, Otto- Friedrich University of Bamberg, Germany In contemporary heritage management, participatory approaches play a crucial role in identifying and safeguarding values for a diverse range of stakeholders. This inclusive methodology involves professionals, local communities, historians, conservationists, and policymakers in conservation efforts. Successfully addressing challenges in stakeholder engagement is crucial for promoting ownership and stewardship, thereby supporting sustainable conservation efforts. Various methods such as community workshops and collaborative mapping exercises have been adopted. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as a valuable tool in facilitating stakeholder participation. This research explores the potential of GIS in participatory heritage conservation. It aims to present principles and considerations to outline the practical application of GIS in engaging communities for heritage conservation. By bridging traditional heritage management practices with contemporary participatory methods, the research aims to enhance inclusive, informed, and sustainable conservation efforts. On this basis, qualitative methods and logical argumentation are used to analyze research content, drawing on qualitative and quantitative data from previous studies. A conceptual model is presented through a literature review, followed by an evaluation of five case studies from Iran, The USA, Finland, Egypt, and Spain that have utilized GIS in participatory planning processes. The research highlights GIS's capability to capture diverse social groups' perspectives on heritage values and priorities using participatory mapping. This integration of community insights empowers stakeholders in decision-making processes, enhancing inclusivity in heritage management and supporting community-driven initiatives for urban heritage preservation. Highlights: • This study explores the pivotal role of GIS in fostering participatory conservation efforts in heritage areas. • The research offering a framework which outlines key principles for GIS-based participatory conservation. • Through the evaluation of five diverse case studies, this research showcases the practical considerations of GIS in participatory conservation. https://www.eurogeojournal.eu/index.php/egj/article/view/657Geographical Information System (GIS)Public Participation Geographical Information System (PPGIS)Participatory ConservationHeritage Area
spellingShingle Hamid Salimi
Somayeh Fadaei Nezhad Bahramjerdi
Rana Tootoonchi
The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas
European Journal of Geography
Geographical Information System (GIS)
Public Participation Geographical Information System (PPGIS)
Participatory Conservation
Heritage Area
title The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas
title_full The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas
title_fullStr The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas
title_full_unstemmed The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas
title_short The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Conservation of Heritage Areas
title_sort role of geographic information systems gis in participatory conservation of heritage areas
topic Geographical Information System (GIS)
Public Participation Geographical Information System (PPGIS)
Participatory Conservation
Heritage Area
url https://www.eurogeojournal.eu/index.php/egj/article/view/657
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