Volunteered Geographic Information: Theory and Practice

Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) refers to the collection, creation, and dissemination of geographic data by individuals, often through the use of web-based platforms and mobile applications. This user-generated content leverages the widespread availability of GPS-enabled devices and social media, allowing citizens to contribute valuable spatial information. VGI comprises a range of activities, from mapping local features to reporting environmental changes, and plays a crucial role in fields such as disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. VGI democratizes geographic data collection, providing up-to-date and locally relevant information that might be inaccessible through traditional methods. However, challenges such as data accuracy, consistency, and the digital divide must be addressed to fully realize its potential. This book consists of contributions made by international experts in the field of Volunteered Geographic Information. The technological progress that has future implications are glanced at in this book. As this field is emerging at a fast pace, this book will help the readers to better understand the concepts of Volunteered Geographic Information.