Janet Haven

I've written on this blog several times about how mapping and GIS technologies -- particularly those that are usable by non-experts -- can help to make a stronger case when advocating a cause. These tools have been used to great effect by the environmental movement, as well as by groups with interests as diverse as natural resource plundering iin the developing world and using chemical weapons against civilians. As tools like Google Maps put the possibility of mapping data into the hands of many, we're also seeing that collaborative projects can be undertaken with mapping as a focal point for tracking and clarifying information coming in from a range of sources. In other words, maps are being used to do, rather than simply to explain an end result.

Just recently, OSI's Information Program (where I work), released a set of case studies on this topic. Researched and written by Stephanie Lindenbuam, the set of documents includes a useful overview from the layman's perspective on what mapping means in an advocacy context. This is followed by a nine short papers (each 3-4 pages) that detail individual stories of how mapping is being used within an organization or campaign. The papers can be downloaded individually in pdf format. Take a look if this is something you're thinking about in your work.