Using Spatial Data to Improve Future Governance

Wildlife management agencies commonly struggle with governance in meeting the needs of a broadening constituency base. This is particular true as agencies have access ample biological data, but a dearth of spatially-explicit... [ view full abstract ]

Wildlife management agencies commonly struggle with governance in meeting the needs of a broadening constituency base. This is particular true as agencies have access ample biological data, but a dearth of spatially-explicit sociological data. To address the biological and sociological data imbalance, we leveraged public participation GIS to collect highly-valued areas from 1,137 respondents. Participants provided motivations for valuing each location. Individually identified areas were aggregated using an additive index to identify areas of greatest valuation by hunters. We analyzed areas of highest valuation for hunted species, for the purpose of communicating areas that are valued by a constituency to those that govern the corresponding resource. We present a model to share this information in a non-divulging method, presenting information necessary for decision-making while simultaneously protecting individual respondents’ privacy. This approach may serve as a case study to use data as a means for social justice; helping governmental organizations represent their constituencies in a more efficient manner. Spatially-explicit, representative data leads to objective, inclusive information. Better information leads to transparent decision-making, which in turn leads to better stewardship of the public trust and improved governance.