CREATING PUBLIC OPINION AND DEVELOPING SPATIAL CITIZENSHIP THROUGH MAPS: THE CASE OF ZARAGOZA, SPAIN

Abstract

The current context of social transformation and urban changes increases the need for updated
knowledge of living spaces. Citizens demand to have monitoring tools available applied to public
actions affecting their local environment and neighbourhoods. Aware of this situation, geographers are
in a position to provide these tools - urban thematic maps - to ensure citizen-geographical information
interaction. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of the GIS project
Zaragoza map by map, in order to train, raise awareness, and empower citizens by using digital maps
for their everyday urban space. Communicating by social networks involves generating public opinion
trends on specific issues of daily life, such as transportation or public facilities, and thus, suggesting
grassroots proposals for improving the built-up environment.