Tools for web-based GIS mapping of a “fuzzy” vernacular geography

The vast majority of people don’t use a scientific geographical vocabulary, nevertheless most use a wide variety of geographical terms on a day to day basis. Identifiers like “Downtown” or “The grim area around the docks” are part of a vernacular geographical terminology which is vastly more used than the coordinate systems and scientifically defined variables so beloved of professional geographers. These terms not only identify areas, but give members of our sociolinguistic group information about them, building up a jointly-defined cultural world-view within which we all act on a daily basis. Despite its importance for policy making and quality of life, attention is rarely paid to this vernacular geography because it is so hard to capture and use. This paper presents a new set of tools for capturing these “fuzzy” psychogeographical areas and their associated attributes, through a web based mapping system. The system contains a spraycan tool that allows users to tag information onto diffuse areas of varying density. An example of their use to define areas people consider are “high crime” within a UK city is also presented, along with users’ responses to the system. Such a system aims to pull together professional and popular geographical understanding, to the advantage of both.