Kruti Desai

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and utility of the Neptis Geoweb application as a public participation tool in regional planning and decision making. How well does the application promote citizen participation, facilitate public engagement, and provide valuable content to inform decision makers? With regard to the Neptis Geoweb application, we assess the degree to which the regional interactive map and associated discussion forum can represent a transportation planning debate. The study uses a structured scenario that includes simulated participants to illustrate a potential public participation debate. By using the 3E framework to organize the simulated scenario, we also examine the framework’s usefulness in preparing participatory decision-making on the Geoweb. The content used to populate the forum is derived from a collection of current literature and media releases, various discussion forums across different mediums, and official government documentation.

The simulated scenario provided a method to simplify complex spatial planning issues which demonstrates how the application can help potential participants better understand spatial problems. Planners can utilize aspects of the application to support the planning and decision making process, as a mechanism of public participation or as a learning tool to assist the participatory planning process. The application can effectively link citizens to spatial issues and help bridge the gap between the interests of the public and decision makers.