The WUN MAP Project: Community Based Mapping Through Student/Resident Interaction

The WUN MAP Project (pronounced: "One Map") is a collaborative effort between residents of Eugene's West University Neighborhood and the Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM) at the University of Oregon. The main goals of the project are to use community-based mapping to: 1) improve the quality of life in the neighborhood; and 2) provide a real world setting for students to learn and apply new GIS mapping skills. Eric (left), a student in the GIS class, and Dan (right) from the neighborhood, collect neighbrohood asset data with a GIS-enabled PDA.

Eric (left), a student in the GIS class, and Dan (right) from the neighborhood, collect neighbrohood asset data with a GIS-enabled PDA.

The centerpiece of the project was to collect neighborhood data, based on what the neighborhood wanted, utilizing ArcPad mobile GIS technology. Choose one of the following to learn more about specific elements of this effort::

Project Summary (under construction)
Maps
Download the Data
Project reflection by one of the students
Project gadgets

This project follows an action research, service-learning, and collaborative approach to community development and learning GIS. That is:

The planning and carrying out of community mapping activities is a joint process
Residents largely control the agenda on what is to be mapped and become more equal partners in other aspects of the project
Students largely carry out the more advanced technical aspects of the mapping, but balance their interpretations and assumptions with community input
Students apply new skills beyond the classroom in a way that brings benefit to the world
Residents and students jointly interpret the resulting data, each applying their own expertise and filters

We believe this approach has benefits beyond the actual data collection, mapping, and interpretation. We believe that bringing students and residents together builds relationships among the individuals involved and trust between their larger organizations. Students learn about the complexities of neighborhood decision making and are challenged to confront preconceived notions of the residents. Likewise, neighborhood residents also confront stereotypes and biases toward the University and its students. In the end, we are hoping that not only is the quality of life in the neighborhood improved and students gain valuable new skills, but that trust, understanding, and relationships will be built that will transcend the specific work of this project.

Related project components: