LOS SISTEMAS DE INFORMACIÓN GEOGRÁFICA PARTICIPATIVOS COMO HERRAMIENTAS PARA EL DESARROLLO RURAL SOSTENIBLE: ANÁLISIS CONCEPTUAL Y REVISIÓN DE EXPERIENCIAS

Abstract

The concept of PGIS is referred to the use of the technology to integrate expert and local knowledge, defined as the abilities and needs of affected and involved local communities, in a project. This technology enables management, analysis and representation of large volumes of spatial data, facilitating the understanding of multiple variables which influence decision making processes. Strengths and risks of use of PGIS have generated studies for better practice, frequently associated with online applications. The key success element is participation, defined according to its purpose, involved participants and the application methods. In rural development projects, PGIS implementation should aim sustainability. Hence participation has to be applied in each stage of the process, organized according to Project´s Cycle scheme. Revision of multiple PGIS case studies in rural development projects shows that in most cases participation and GIS application is not analyzed in each project stage. This justifies the definition of a methodology to integrate expert and local knowledge in the application of PGIS in every phase of the Project Cycle. Keywords: PGIS; local knowledge; sustainable rural development; project cycle; participatory planning; development projects