Abstract

Collaborative geomatics systems are web-based tools that support a common reference map based on high resolution imagery. These tools allow communities to collect, store, and present dynamic geo-referenced information (i.e., oral, written, visual). By employing the Web Informatics Development Environment (WIDE) toolkit, these systems require less technical expertise to maintain, allow for prompt customizations, are relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. These collaborative information infrastructures incorporate concepts similar to participatory geographical information systems. This paper describes the early implementation of a “collaborative geomatics” system, which is a potential innovation in place-based information and knowledge sharing for fostering the capacity of First Nations communities. Collaborative geomatics may enhance the capacity of First Nations to develop “community-based constraint mapping” of Traditional Territories including the capture and use of traditional environmental knowledge (TEK) in a structured but culturally-sensitive manner. The tool will enable First Nations communities to manage and triage requests for consultation associated with development proposals within their Traditional Territories. A case study of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN), who are subject to numerous treaties and who have recently settled a specific land claim, is utilized to demonstrate the potential utility of a collaborative geomatics system to manage and triage the high-volume of consultation requests.