Search for: All records

This paper presents an overview of the integration of participatory processes in the production of official data. Through a series of interviews with strategic stakeholders we identified the key elements to institutionalize citizen science in the production of geospatial information. This article discusses practical contexts of uses of data produced or complemented by citizens in Mexico. We analyze institutional processes that facilitates or make difficult the integration into official mechanisms for generating more accurate cartographic information in various institutions, focusing on its possible adoption, in particular by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) of Mexico. Resources, data integration models, workflows, and an organizational structure are needed to benefit from citizen science. We find that the adoption of citizen science within an organization is subject to a well-defined and structured interest driven by leadership and implemented collectively. This presents a paradigm shift in obtaining information, citizen science as official data through concrete and functional information products will allow end users to benefit from timely and accurate data. The purpose of this article is then to generate organizational knowledge on how to use citizen science in public institutions, with long-term perspective, to mediate the lack of current and accurate spatial data and participate in social innovation. 

This article outlines the strategic vision of the leadership of the Geography Commission of the PanAmerican Institute for Geography and History over the past eight years, co-authored by the Presidents and Vice Presidents 2014-2017 and 2018-2021, respectively. Documenting the major strategies taken by and through this leadership team during a context of profound change, the article summarizes a rationale and main domains of action across the commission, featuring a course-level detail of the committees and working groups, and joint initiatives. The article acknowledges the highly participatory efforts of member state commissions, committees, participants, and responsible parties for technical assistance projects by pointing out some of the highlighted achievements and unrealized objectives alike. The authors also aim to inform and inspire future leadership throughout PAIGH to build upon and improve this trajectory in strategic ways.