The ability of individuals and groups to interact and participate in societal spatial decision making through the reflexive production and use of geo-media (geographic media such as maps, virtual globes, GIS, and the Geoweb) is referred to as spatial citizenship. It refers to the concept of actively participating in and engaging with one’s surroundings in a thoughtful and responsible manner. It goes beyond the traditional definition of citizenship, which frequently focuses on legal rights and responsibilities within a political or social context.
Spatial citizens are lay users who can use geo-media to challenge existing perspectives on spatial action (e.g., social rules, spatial planning) and to create, communicate, and negotiate alternative spatial visions. Instead, spatial citizenship emphasizes the relationship between individuals and their physical surroundings, encouraging them to be aware of their environmental impact and to positively contribute to the spaces they inhabit.
Spatial citizenship is an educational approach that combines citizenship and geography education. Its theoretical pillars are emancipatory forms of citizenship and “reflexive appropriation of space.”
Key aspects of spatial citizenship include:
- Awareness: Being aware of one’s surroundings, understanding the geography of a place, and recognizing the environmental, social, and cultural factors that shape it.
- Participation: Engaging in activities that improve and contribute to the well-being of a community or a space. This could involve participating in local initiatives, volunteering for environmental projects, or collaborating with others to enhance the quality of a specific place.
- Responsibility: Taking responsibility for the environmental impact of one’s actions. This could include making sustainable choices, reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing harm to the ecosystem.
- Advocacy: Promoting policies, practices, and behaviors that prioritize environmental sustainability and equitable access to resources within a community.
- Design and Planning: Participating in the design and planning of spaces, advocating for inclusive and well-designed environments, and considering the needs of all members of a community.
- Digital and Virtual Spaces: Recognizing that spatial citizenship extends to digital and virtual spaces as well, where people should engage responsibly and ethically.
- Global Perspective: Understanding the interconnectedness of spaces and how actions in one location can have ripple effects on others, both locally and globally.
Environmental stewardship, urban planning, sustainability, community engagement, and social responsibility are all concepts that are closely related to spatial citizenship. It encourages people to go beyond passive observation and become active participants in shaping their surroundings in ways that benefit both humans and the natural world.
