Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2321-2338 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | International Journal of Geographical Information Science |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
The Internet provides a new source of information and a new discussion platform for public participation in planning processes. As geographic information systems (GIS) are an essential part of planning practice, equal access to public participation GIS (PPGIS) is crucial for successful stakeholder collaboration. Unfortunately, people with restricted access to computers, limited Internet skills, and poor map literacy could face potential exclusion. Although the older adults’ age groups show the strongest growth among Internet users, their general Internet skills remain limited compared to those of younger age groups. Furthermore, little previous research has been conducted on older adults’ usage of PPGIS, as current studies focus mainly on older adults’ use of the Internet in general or (passive) web maps in particular; PPGIS usability studies generally target a wider audience. In this qualitative and descriptive study, we examine older adults’ experience with a PPGIS survey and implement the findings into a final research survey design. The findings support previous results from other Internet or web map usability studies with older adults while, in addition, displaying similarities to the outcomes of general PPGIS usability studies, especially regarding cognitive abilities. Studying older adults draws attention to a vulnerable but growing Internet user group. As other age groups face similar challenges, we suggest that using older adults as a ‘test group’ for PPGIS usability could help improve the experience for the wider public.
Keywords
- Public participation GIS, aging population, digital divide, public participation, usability
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Computer Science(all)
- Information Systems
- Social Sciences(all)
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Social Sciences(all)
- Library and Information Sciences
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In: International Journal of Geographical Information Science, Vol. 30, No. 12, 2016, p. 2321-2338.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring the usability of PPGIS among older adults: challenges and opportunities.
AU - Gottwald, Sarah
AU - Laatikainen, Tiina
AU - Kyttä, Marketta
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2016
Y1 - 2016
N2 - The Internet provides a new source of information and a new discussion platform for public participation in planning processes. As geographic information systems (GIS) are an essential part of planning practice, equal access to public participation GIS (PPGIS) is crucial for successful stakeholder collaboration. Unfortunately, people with restricted access to computers, limited Internet skills, and poor map literacy could face potential exclusion. Although the older adults’ age groups show the strongest growth among Internet users, their general Internet skills remain limited compared to those of younger age groups. Furthermore, little previous research has been conducted on older adults’ usage of PPGIS, as current studies focus mainly on older adults’ use of the Internet in general or (passive) web maps in particular; PPGIS usability studies generally target a wider audience. In this qualitative and descriptive study, we examine older adults’ experience with a PPGIS survey and implement the findings into a final research survey design. The findings support previous results from other Internet or web map usability studies with older adults while, in addition, displaying similarities to the outcomes of general PPGIS usability studies, especially regarding cognitive abilities. Studying older adults draws attention to a vulnerable but growing Internet user group. As other age groups face similar challenges, we suggest that using older adults as a ‘test group’ for PPGIS usability could help improve the experience for the wider public.
AB - The Internet provides a new source of information and a new discussion platform for public participation in planning processes. As geographic information systems (GIS) are an essential part of planning practice, equal access to public participation GIS (PPGIS) is crucial for successful stakeholder collaboration. Unfortunately, people with restricted access to computers, limited Internet skills, and poor map literacy could face potential exclusion. Although the older adults’ age groups show the strongest growth among Internet users, their general Internet skills remain limited compared to those of younger age groups. Furthermore, little previous research has been conducted on older adults’ usage of PPGIS, as current studies focus mainly on older adults’ use of the Internet in general or (passive) web maps in particular; PPGIS usability studies generally target a wider audience. In this qualitative and descriptive study, we examine older adults’ experience with a PPGIS survey and implement the findings into a final research survey design. The findings support previous results from other Internet or web map usability studies with older adults while, in addition, displaying similarities to the outcomes of general PPGIS usability studies, especially regarding cognitive abilities. Studying older adults draws attention to a vulnerable but growing Internet user group. As other age groups face similar challenges, we suggest that using older adults as a ‘test group’ for PPGIS usability could help improve the experience for the wider public.
KW - Public participation GIS
KW - aging population
KW - digital divide
KW - public participation
KW - usability
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84964068337&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/13658816.2016.1170837
DO - 10.1080/13658816.2016.1170837
M3 - Article
VL - 30
SP - 2321
EP - 2338
JO - International Journal of Geographical Information Science
JF - International Journal of Geographical Information Science
SN - 1365-8816
IS - 12
ER -