communiMap: Citizen Science Communities Observe their Neighbourhoods in Glasgow

Imagine that all the little things you observe on a daily basis - your daily commute to work, the trees in your street, or the way rain collects on the road - could contribute to bettering your neighbourhood. That's exactly what communiMap - a new Citizen Science project running on the SPOTTERON Plaform aims to do.

Led by the University of Glasgow's GALLANT project, users are encouraged to pay attention to these details in their environment and share what they observe, fostering awareness among its users and a sense of community with the help of technology.

At its core, communiMap is simple: you observe, reflect, and share. But those small actions contribute to a collective resource that reveals the hidden layers of daily life in a city. 

Through the App, users can:

• Track their journeys—whether on foot or wheels—and reflect on what they notice along the way.
• Spot and log encounters with nature, from seasonal changes to hidden green corners.
• Identify and learn about local trees, and even get guidance on what to plant where.
• Observe water in the neighbourhood, adding to our understanding of flooding, drought, and local climate resilience.
• Share composting insights, compare notes with others, and improve collective practice.
• Highlight ideas around energy use in everyday places.

In addition to collecting data, the goal is to encourage focus, introspection, and discussion—converting ordinary observations into knowledge that can benefit communities.

From Glasgow origins to worldwide possibilities

communiMap is designed to be flexible and adaptable for any community, even though it is presently being piloted in Glasgow with citizens, community organisations, and schools.
With its vibrant colours, ease of use, and wide range of topics, it is aimed at all demographics - the young and the exprienced - connecting people in all walks of life.
Because the software creates a venue for co-created knowledge, social scientists, urban researchers, and environmental practitioners have already expressed interest in it.

A story worth telling: the new communiMap film

The success of communiMap recently inspired a short film documenting its impact and potential. The film beautifully captures how the app connects people with their environments and with one another:

Film by GALLANT (University of Glasgow)

Any questions on Citizen Science Apps or interested in collaborating? Get in touch with our team!