Several innovative digital public participatory mapping methods were deployed for the first time in the study region via two case studies elaborated at distinct spatial scales. This included an online map-based public survey of special places focused on the regional cross-border landscape, directly engaging several hundred members of the public. Secondly, an historic former military base and contested regeneration site in Derry~Londonderry was the focal point for GPS-tracked walking interviews exploring people’s sense of place in ‘post-conflict’ space. Significant methodological and empirical learning was derived from both cases, not least in evidencing the capacity for participatory mapping to capture citizen knowledge on cultural heritage in cross-border contexts.
The project harnessed multiple digital technologies, including online map-based survey tools and digital applications, social media to engage the public, and interactive GIS-based story maps to integrate scientific and ‘citizen science’ data, while narrating and visualising the research in compelling ways.
Knowledge exchange with policymakers and practitioners in North West Ireland was reinforced by several policy-praxis focused articles in widely-read professional and policy-oriented journals, including The Journal of Cross Border Studies in Ireland and Context. The policy space for public participatory mapping within the cross-border region has also been positively impacted and shaped by extensive engagement and dissemination activities throughout the project.