Dr. Jonnell Robinson, Syracuse University. Thursday Feb 20, noon, Exley Room 405. Lunch provided.
Abstract: Maps can be a powerful and provocative way to convey information about place. Citizen groups and community-based organizations are keen to use GIS mapping to build spatial awareness of important community issues. In an effort to foster community-based spatial knowledge production, Syracuse Community Geography—a unique university and community collaboration—was established in 2005 to assist grassroots groups in Central New York to frame research questions, generate, collect, manage, analyze and interpret geographic data, and use geographic information to create positive change. In this talk, Robinson will explain the conceptual framework of “Community Geography”; share results from community mapping projects, and discuss the value and challenges of Syracuse Community Geography’s participatory process.