What is a geosurvey?

Geosurvey is a GIS-based tool (learn more about GIS systems here) that allows collecting residents’ opinions, feedback, and ideas directly on an interactive map.This way, you can not only learn general opinions but also find out exactly whereneeds, problems, or opportunities for change are located.

Geosurveys are mobile and available online, easy to conduct, and engage a wide audience – including those who don’t usually take part in traditional consultations.

Our geo-survey is called LopiAsk and, like any geo-survey, it combines the simplicity of an online questionnaire with advanced geolocation features. This allows for effective collection and analysis of spatial data. (learnmore about LopiAsk’s features here)

How does one create a geosurvey?

Our geosurvey LopiAsk can be created easily using the administration panel, which is accessed by each person responsible for its configuration.

Using the panel, the user can not only design the geo-survey and arrange the questions, but also monitor the progress of the consultation or survey, track the number of completed forms, and generate results in real time: in the form of tables, charts and maps.

You can read more about how to create a good geosurvey here.

How does a geosurvey work?

• The participant completes the geosurvey online: on a phone, computer or tablet. Internet access is required. It is also possible to conduct consultations with the help of interviewers. This solution works especially well for including people who are digitally excluded.
• On the interactive map, participants indicate the location relevant to the question (e.g., a selected square, park, or street section). They can mark it using a point, line, or area selection.
• The respondent may be asked to answer additional questions related to the marked facilities, e.g. regarding cleanliness, quality, aesthetics, etc.
• Additionally, the geosurvey creator can enable an option for participants to add a description or upload a photo.
• Non-spatial questions may also appear in the geo-survey; for example, about the respondent’s demographic characteristics
• All entries are recorded and automatically visualized in the administration panel, providing an excellent basis for further spatial analysis.

Key benefits of using a geosurvey

• Precision of data – Locating opinions and needs with pinpoint accuracy.
• Ease of participation – simple, intuitive use across different devices without requiring any special knowledge.
• Greater participation – involves broad and diverse groups of residents, including those often overlooked in traditional consultations.
• Quick analysis – automatically generated maps enable instant identification of development problems and potentials.
• Transparency – the consultation process and its results can be made available to all interested parties, giving participants a real sense of influence over decisions.

Application of geosurveys

A geo-survey can be used in research processes as well as in social consultation processes that are fully or partially spatial in nature.

It plays a particularly important role in the early stages of project work, when diagnostic data is being collected. It allows gathering information from a large number of respondents without mutual influence. In traditional consultations conducted as meetings, the opinion of a strong-willed individual can affect the views of others.

Geosurveys can also be used in later stages of consultations, for example when reviewing a finalized project. In such cases, a geodiscussion offers even more possibilities. ( to learn more about the geodiscussion click here)

The geosurvey can be used both as a stand-alone method of participation and as part of a broader process, complemented by other forms of consultation such as traditional meetings, collection of opinions via email, etc.