This book presents an innovative, interdisciplinary exploration of how participatory geospatial methods are transforming contemporary understandings of environmental governance, sustainability, and community resilience. Based on the idea that mapping is not merely a technical exercise but also a social, political, and cultural practice, the volume situates participatory GIS within the lived experiences of coastal communities, presenting a transformative framework for inclusive spatial knowledge production.
Organized in three parts, the book begins by discussing the theoretical foundations of participatory GIS in the context of coastal geographies and digital community mapping, emphasizing its potential to transform governance and sustainability discourses. The second part offers field-based applications from coastal India, featuring participatory data collection, lived narratives, mapping workshops, and case studies that illustrate community-centred approaches to environmental management and policy transitions. The last part presents a research and philosophical agenda for participatory GIS, positioning it as a driver for sustainable futures, ethical innovation, and transdisciplinary collaboration.
The book’s uniqueness lies in its threefold integrated approach, combining theoretical perspectives, empirical practices, and forward-looking insights to connect spatial technology, social engagement, and sustainability science. It blends academic rigor with practical relevance, providing valuable guidance for policymakers, planners, and institutions interested in participatory frameworks for environmental decision-making and coastal sustainability. For scholars and students in geography, environmental studies, and geoinformatics, it serves as both a conceptual reference and a methodological guide to participatory mapping in the digital era. Finally, this monograph introduces a fresh narrative in geographical scholarship, envisioning participatory GIS as a transformative tool for promoting spatial justice, community empowerment, and sustainable environmental futures.

Dr. Kousik Das Malakar is a socio-ecological geographer, GIS analyst, and researcher with a specialization in climate change and policy. He currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, GDC Memorial College (affiliated to the Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani), BRCM Vidyagram Campus, Haryana. Dr. Malakar earned his Ph.D. from the Department of Geography, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh. He also possesses a master's degree in social science geography from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, and a bachelor's degree from Vidyasagar University, Medinipur, West Bengal. His research interests encompass the climate crisis, coastal socio-ecological systems, water governance, environments and societies, sustainability, disaster studies, participatory policy planning, and the application of geospatial technologies. In his field of research, Dr. Malakar has participated in over 150 academic events and has authored and edited 07 books published by Springer Nature, Emerald Publishing, Palgrave Macmillan and other reputed publishers. Dr. Malakar has published more than 50 research papers, conference proceedings, book chapters, general articles, and reports in nationally and internationally reputed publications. He has supervised more than 20 postgraduate project reports. He has received numerous certifications from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) in Dehradun, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Hyderabad, and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in New Delhi, recognizing his ability to engage in and acquire research ideas and knowledge. Additionally, he actively serves as a reviewer for academic journals and books, and is a member of several academic and professional organizations, including Academic Counsellor at IGNOU New Delhi, Human Development and Capability Association (USA), Unequal World (USA), the International Society for Urban Health (USA), the International Centre of Excellence in Engineering & Technology (Portugal), and the International Centre of Excellence in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Studies (Portugal).