OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN EFFECTIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (SMGI) WITHIN GEODESIGN APPROACH

This contribution focuses on two types of georeferenced User-Generated Content (geo-UGC): Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and Social Media Geographic Information (SMGI): both can be profitably used in spatial planning practices, thanks to the high potential of the information they enclose. Several case studies, developed by the authors, are presented to illustrate how geo-UGC can be used in different stages of spatial planning processes, supporting a more multifaceted understanding of places, contributing to more participatory processes, and fostering the collaboration between decision-makers in spatial planning practices. The Geodesign approach has been used as a base framework to underpin the discussion. In addition, the case studies show how geo-UGC can be advantageous in knowledge building on the current regional and urban dynamics, in identifying possible alternatives and in finding agreement on preferred future developments.