On the application of Public Participation Geographic Information Systems to land use management

The main purpose of this study is to design a Web-based Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS) that would make it possible for the public to participate in land use management. Google Maps API and Ajax techniques are employed to establish a PPGIS-based platform to intercommunicate with the public on the issues of land use/land cover changes. Through this information sharing web site, people will be able to analyze the periodical geospatial data obtained from sources such as satellite images, and report on questionable land exploitation. Furthermore, users can discuss the legality of changed places that they are interested in, and exchange new ideas or approaches to land management and planning between different groups. Finally, the web-based PPGIS can serve as a reference for administrators to make more effective and democratic land management policies so as to better protect land resources.