Spatial Empowerment: Combining Participatory and Computational Mapping

This paper explores the significance of mapping in understanding a city’s geography, emphasizing its role in uncovering place identity and empowering communities. This research combines participatory mapping and computational methods to map neighbourhoods in El Mina’s (Tripoli). The methodology employs participatory mapping techniques and volunteered geographical information, juxtaposed with mapping derived from urban elements such as paths, nodes, edges, districts, and landmarks. This study enhances knowledge regarding urban spatial cognition in the Middle East. It is also a rare contribution where quantitative data is mapped in Lebanon outside of Beirut. The data is freely accessible and downloadable to all.