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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS AND CASE STUDIES: FracTracker Survey and Case Studies: Application for Participatory GIS in Unconventional Natural Gas Development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 December 2012

Samantha Malone ,
Matthew Kelso ,
Drew Michanowicz ,
Kyle Ferrar ,
Kyra Naumoff Shields  and
Jill Kriesky
Samantha Malone*
Affiliation:
Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh; and Manager of Science and Communications, FracTracker Alliance, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Matthew Kelso
Affiliation:
FracTracker Alliance, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Drew Michanowicz
Affiliation:
Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Kyle Ferrar
Affiliation:
Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Kyra Naumoff Shields
Affiliation:
Public Health Practice, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jill Kriesky
Affiliation:
Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, Environmental and Occupational Health Department, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
*
Samantha Malone, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Suite 553 BRIDG, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; (phone) 412-802-0273; (fax) 412-624-9361; (e-mail) malone@fractracker.org
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Abstract

FracTracker is a participatory geographic information system (PGIS) and website that was designed to address concerns surrounding the process of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) by enabling registered users to make visual connections by using raw data and mapping technologies. An electronic survey (n = 147) and case studies (n = 3) of registered users were conducted in 2011–12 to better understand FracTracker's usage, outcomes, and barriers. Results indicate that PGISs like FracTracker, while difficult for some users to operate, can effectively provide information about UNGD to engaged nonexperts—or regular users. User contributions via volunteered geographic information or crowdsourcing remain limited on FracTracker, but are a barrier that could be overcome with targeted training, by facilitation of a user intermediary, and by diversifying site features. Future PGIS research should assess individuals' concept of space, investigate the interaction between PGIS and digital discourse, and search for the proper balance between the system's technological capacities and ease of use.

Environmental Practice 14:1–10 (2012)

Type
Features
Information
Environmental Practice , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , December 2012 , pp. 342 - 351
Copyright
Copyright © National Association of Environmental Professionals 2012

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