Participatory GIS for Integrating Local and Expert Knowledge in Landscape Planning

This chapter describes the development and implementation of an operational method for integrating expert and local knowledge with new technologies for geographic mapping and communications, to enhance cultural landscape analysis and planning. Topics include the following aspects: a) analysis of type(s) of information required to construct a geographic information system (GIS), with the landscape as a common objective; b) method of implementing and integrating various types of expert knowledge in the GIS; c) method of collecting, organizing, and structuring local knowledge in the GIS; d) method of integrating expert with local knowledge; e) exploration of GIS functions. The main aim of this work is to examine the possibility of using participatory mapping methods and GIS for comparison and integration of multidisciplinary scientific expertise, local knowledge, and landscape project proposals. In particular, it involves specific methods for enhancing local features of vineyard landscapes through a participatory process developed with both vineyard entrepreneurs and the local population. The case study concerns the wine-growing area of Umbria, a region of central Italy.