Geocolaborative methods and protected area management. A Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) in the Ebro Delta Natural Park (Spain)

Abstract

In this paper we describe a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) aimed at management in the Ebro Delta Natural Park (Spain). This online survey asks about scientific and technical questions that emerged from meetings with park managers. Users were asked about landscape perception and landscape experience, about facilities and services, and about outdoor activities. Answers are spatial-type (users identify the location they give their opinion about), and to this end Google Maps’ reference map was used. In total, 209 valid questionnaires were collected which means 4,467 georeferenced opinions. Users perceive the area under study as a natural place, attractive but somewhat dirty, and give locations on where these perceptions are more evident. Users also give georeferenced information about issues related to facilities, signposting and outdoor activities which are valuable for park managers.