Using Maps for Virtual Collaboration: Implementing a Framework for Visually Enabled Geocollaboration

The purpose of this study is to test whether the use of graphic information interfaces such as maps and simulations can enhance the general public’s understanding of scientific data and risk analysis, improve communication and virtual collaboration, and lead to environmental decision making that is less positional and more consensual. The research will be located in upstate New York in the Adirondack Park region, and will focus on land use proposals such as cellular telephone tower installations within and near the Park’s Blue Line that have been issues of contention. This design-based research study proposes to investigate the use of geospatial and telecommunications technologies (webdeployed maps and simulations) for presenting scientific data and analyses in a way that balances stakeholders’ interests and promotes understanding. The research addresses the need for empirically-based guidelines for presenting the results of scientific inquiry to the public to support rational decision-making. The investigation will result in more effective virtual collaboration between civic leaders, planners and communities, leading to better ways to engage stakeholders on a broad range of environmental and urban planning, resource management, and education issues through leveraging geospatial and telecommunications technologies.