Drs. Im and Tullock (2013) defined “Community Mapping” as a process for generating geospatial data through collaborative group work, using mapping technology to identify, understand, analyze, resolve, and disseminate community issues.

Community projects are identified by three clear intentions:

1. EDUCATION with participants learning about an issue(s) important to their community

2. ENGAGEMENT with participants becoming more actively engaged in at least one public or community process

2. EMPOWERMENT with participants being newly equipped with information or data to apply to a community problem or issue