The Application of Web-Based Public Participation Geographic Information Systems for Protection of the Famous Historical and Cultural Cities in China

This paper is to discuss the application of web-based public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) for protection of the famous historical and cultural cities in China. According to the characteristics of public participation and geographic information systems (GIS), the paper presents an application framework of PPGIS, and divides the application of PPGIS in China into three levels, ranging from simple demonstrations through to more complex spatial decision support systems. The publics at different levels of PPGIS application play different roles during the period of participating in protection of the famous historical and cultural cities. The technologically advanced PPGIS can usually provide users with more functions to analyze the data from all participants, including the publics, experts and decision-makers, but the level of its application depends not only on the level of PPGIS technology, but also on project conditions. Organizations should develop an appropriate PPGIS for a project in the light of different circumstances.