Earlier this week, Ed Symons and I met with Jennifer Wesman and Jaime Dennison at CORAH. The meeting was to discuss offering a series of Community Mapping workshops in Middleton during the next academic year.
Ed would be the Project lead, CORAH would provide the context, and I would offer the wider perspective.
Ed, with the help of AI proposed four maps.
Map 1 Recognizing and Celebrating our Assets
Map 2 Opportunities for Growth
Map 3 The Geography of Hope
Map 4 Re-imagining Our Place
From Jennifer, “what are the outcomes and goals?“
In reply, from Ed:
“Ideally, we’d like to have a map series that culminates in the creation of four maps in both print and web-based format, with a host of place-based information provided by local residents. To teach geo-literacy skills engagingly and inclusively. To have fun making/ contributing to maps.”
My view of this project is that it would enhance our collective understanding of ‘place’ on our lives. It builds upon the resources and philosophy embodied in the NSCC campuses at Middleton and Lawrencetown.
In an increasingly virtual learning environment, it is important that we are grounded in our day to day reality. This project complements the values espoused in my blog: ernestblairexperiment.wordpress.com.
It is critical to citizen engagement in the municipal decisions of the Annapolis Valley (see also posts “Community Geography, Joining the Dots, and A College Community aka A Community College)”.
Acknowledgements
Ed Symons for taking the lead on this project. It is consistent with his teaching career at COGS. Jennifer and Jamie were receptive to bringing the CORAH resources to the table. Edward continues to offer technical expertise and encouragement.
Ernest Blair Experiment 
Your project, to create community-driven maps, is a noble goal. Besides the technical challenges there is the issue of selling the idea to the community, having them actively engaged in the maps, and offering access for input and maintenance by the community (as in Google Maps). Maps are useful if people see value in them.
Many years ago in my blog “Creative Rural” one of my posts dealt with MAPPING OPPORTUNITY. Opportunity addresses all demographics, businesses and government entities, including young entrepreneurs. This aligns with your Maps 2 and 3, I believe. I wish you success in this collaboration with CORAH.
Link to “Are We Mapping Opportunities?” https://creativerural.blogspot.com/2013/10/are-we-mapping-opportunities.html).
LikeLike
Recall the Creative Economy presentation by you and Greg Baeker in Annapolis Royal years ago when Baeker spoke about Mapping Assets (aligned with Your Map No. 1). His work helped kickstart the development renaissance in Prince Edward County, Ontario.
Link to YouTube video “Small Town Growth: a creative economy and mapping workshop”
https://youtu.be/W5sQ8JK66fs?si=YezCTbhgEnqVJg1I
LikeLike