ABSTRACT
In this final chapter we summarize our conclusions about research findings concerning participatory geographic information use that we made in each of the separate chapters. We interpret the implications of the findings as contributions toward a participatory geographic information science. We discuss prospects for future research about a participatory, spatial decision making that makes use of geographic information systems by reflecting on the research framework we have utilized throughout the book. As a foundation of the framework used in this book, we emphasize a balance among theory, methods and substance in our studies about the use of participatory geographic information systems. We contend that the proposed framework and the studies constitute the basis of a participatory geographic information science. In this approach the theory guides the use of methods, which are applied to solve substantive decision problems involving locational (spatial) characteristics. The approach serves both the development of group decision support technology as in participatory GIS and research about the use of participatory GIS. The theory (Enhanced Adaptive Structuration Theory 2 (EAST2)) provides a conceptual map for understanding a group decision support situation, thus providing the basis for selecting appropriate methods and decision support tools for the participatory task at hand. EAST2 further provides the guidelines for empirical research investigations involving participatory GIS. The empirical investigations about the use of participatory, geographic decision support tools and methods in substantive decision situations, allow us to verify EAST2, enhance our understanding of the tools and methods, and in turn lead us to develop better methods of participatory GIS. The chapter concludes with a discussion of prospects for future research about participatory GIS use that can broaden and deepen the knowledge base associated with the still f ledgling subfield of participatory geographic information science.
