What NEED does this meet?
There is a need for easy to understand information about local community events, rallies, groups, information points and resources – and also a need for a single pointwhere anyone can dispense such information.
What is the APPROACH?
The idea is to combine two proven concepts: Wikis and digital mapping (sometimes called GIS, or geographical information systems). A national network would be created so people could add information in several pre-defined categories such as food sources and farmers markets; political events; protests or rallies; arts events; self-help tools; community groups; and local information points. A simple interface would be created along the lines of a Wiki so anyone can add information in these sections, or edit information. There would also be live linking to postcode triggered map and travel information, perhaps through a deal with one of the main mapping groups like Google or Streetmap.co.uk .
What are the BENEFITS to people?
Wherever you are, you would be able to access live information about community events and local democracy. Whatever your interests, you will be able to pursue them and become an active part of any community.
What is the COMPETITION?
There are similarities to BBC Action Network, but this is less of a Wiki than a campaign tool. This will be mainly about useful editable information.
What BUDGETS & LOGISTICS are required?
The issue will be to link the Wiki element, which is now standard, to the clickable mapping system. There are various solutions though.
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April 24th, 2006 at 1:04am
A bit like a mappified Knowhere Guide? Sounds good! Crossed with indymedia?
April 24th, 2006 at 9:59am
Yes a bit, but totally focused on community/campaigning issues, and with a better interface and nice maps! All the kinds of things that more commercial sites aren’t really that bothered about listing, like advice/support groups as well.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:18am
I like this idea a lot, Dan. On the swanky maps interface side, perhaps the slightly scary Map Minder could offer a little inspiration. It appears have a commenting and local groups system bolted into the mapping interface (in addition to GPS tracking of your family, mates or employees).
April 28th, 2006 at 1:38pm
Thanks Tom. Wow that tracking thing is scary! And people worry about the government running an ID card database… I am sure a good interaface can be found, and also in fact the swankiness or otherwise is not really crucial, there would just need to be a good national location-bsed system to find your local set of wikis. It could even be list-based or postcode search, or a simple clickable map.
May 9th, 2006 at 10:57am
Our group “Save The Ribble” http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com – a group made up of local people living near the River Ribble in Lancashire sounds like exactly the kind of community campaigning group that such a tool would support. Geo-wik-ocracy might help us actually achieve some lo-cal-dem-ocracy…
June 21st, 2006 at 7:17am
WikiMapia is a also good start, only without the politics side of things.