Place-Making with Older People: Mapping Sense of Place through GIS Online Platform

Sinval Xavier (Federal University of Rio Grande)
Adriana Portella (Federal University of Pelotas)
Ryan Woolrych (Heriot Watt University)
Anelize Cardoso (Federal University of Pelotas)
Jennifer Fisher (Manchester Metropolitan University)
Rebecca Lawthom (Manchester Metropolitan University)

This paper focus on the use of Geographic Information Systems - GIS in the development of social sciences research, involving the spatialization andanalysis of information that aim to identify how the sense of place is experienced by older adults of different social classes in Brazil and the UK. Through the study of cases conducted in 18 different neighborhoods in three Brazilian cities (Pelotas, Brasilia and Belo Horizonte) and three British cities (Edinburg, Manchester and Glasgow, the research intends to answer the following question: What services, amenities and resources are needed to promote healthy cities, friendly communities and active aging in different cultural and social contexts? The research applied qualitative and quantitative methods, such as: collection of social, economic and environmental data; application of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews; social data and environment development; walking interviews and participatory mapping workshops. The methods and tools of spatial analysis employed determine, in a considerable way, the extent and depth of the results. GIS platform is an essential tool for the effective and potential use of data associated with the territory, representing a strategic and effective way to isolate, analyze and describe the spatial relationships between sense of place and user ́s perception of place attachment. The results of the data surveys and methods applied, especially participatory mapping, were incorporated into a GIS platform and spatialized following a methodology that adopts a collaborative approach to research design, data analysis and the design of knowledge transfer tools and resources. The methodology incorporates the exchange of knowledge in all activities, seeking to increase the relevance of its results and make them accessible to all interested groups (elderly, policy practitioners and urban planning practitioners and academics) through the online GIS platform accessible by the research project website.