# Local mapping and communications checklist 

[[communities:index|Communities index]]

//This general checklist was developed for work with local communities interested in the use of mapping and digital communications. David Wilcox October 2018//

## Scenario

A local project wants to work with residents and businesses to develop an online guide and communication system for the area. 

## Purpose

The aims of the guide and system are to:

* Support an asset-based approach to community building through mapping
* Offer residents, groups and businesses the opportunity to raise their profiles
* Enable communication, co-operation  and collaboration among all interests 

## Principles

The system should be :

* Accessible using existing consumer communication devices and tools where possible
* Co-designed with residents, groups and businesses
* Open to contributions from all residents and businesses
* Well-managed and supported, and sustainable

## System components

1. A** directory** of local facilities, organisations etc 
2. **Geomap** of social infrastructure and issues 
3. **Netmap** showing interests, wants, offers, collaborations
4. **Existing local comms** - Facebook, WhatsApp, blogs, Twitter etc 
5. **Other spaces and tools for communication and collaboration** 
6. **People who make the system work**: mapping and comms manager(s), local activists learning new methods, community and social reporters.

## Possible functions

**A Infrastructure - facilities, plans needs**

* Help residents and businesses find facilities, groups and organisations in the area using a directory and map
* Show future plans for the area

*Requires 1 directory, 2 geomap, and 4 online discussion, plus 3 - netmap tools for easy data entry and updating, and 6 map manager and facilitation.*

**B Activities - news, events, conversations**

* Display local news, events and activities
* Additional contributions and conversations through existing or additional online channels

*As above plus 5 additional tools and 6 more comms management.*

**C Cooperation, collaboration, campaigns** - enabling people to see interests, wants and offers

* Find who is interested in what on a collaboration map; add and update their interests
* Connect with people on the map via an existing or new comms system
* Enable campaigning and organising when needed

*As above plus 3 netmap.*

**D Engagement, effectiveness and organising** - increase profile and impact

* Promote the system to residents and businesses
* Offer training for groups in use of the system and other tools
* Enhance existing capacity among groups and community organisers

*Requires additional training and support from 6 people who make the system work.*

## Roles, tasks, skills needed

* System designer - scope out and co-design communications and mapping system.
* System manager - responsible for mapping and comms developments
* Facilitators

## See also

* [Stuff happens: could company operating systems for uncertain futures provide insights into what’s needed for civil society?](https://networkedcity.blog/2018/10/09/stuff-happens-could-company-operating-systems-for-uncertain-futures-provide-insights-into-whats-needed-for-civil-society/) - Networked City blog post October 2018
* [We need civic operating systems to manage the social fabric for healthy communities – plus a social app store of tools](https://networkedcity.blog/2018/08/17/we-need-civic-operating-systems-to-manage-the-social-fabric-for-healthy-communities-plus-a-social-app-store-of-tools/) - Networked City blog post October 2018