Point, polygon, or marker? In search of the best geographic entity for mapping cultural ecosystem services using the online public participation geographic information systems tool, “My Green Place”

The mapping of cultural ecosystem services through online public participation GIS (PPGIS) has predominantly relied on geographic entities, such as points and polygons, to collect spatial data, regardless their limitations. As the potential PPGIS support planning design keeps growing, so does need for more knowledge about data quality suitable entities data. Using tool, “My Green Place,” 449 respondents mapped in Ghent by using all three entities: point, polygon, novel “marker.” entities’ accuracy was analyzed a quadrat analysis, regressions against collective truth, Akaike information criterion, preference test based survey’s outcomes. results show that point reflects weakest especially dynamic practices, marker it strongest. polygon’s performance compares marker’s, albeit slightly weaker. delivers nuanced image respondents’ input, is simpler use, less risk errors. Therefore, we suggest instead polygon when collecting future research.