Exporting and analyzing data collected in interactive crowd-sourced maps will allow Community Boards to identify geographic and issue related topics of interest. Especially for gathering complaints and establishing planning initiatives, crowd sourcing enables residents to voice their opinion and articulate their local expertise directly on a map.
For example, Manhattan Community Board 3’s District Manager expressed interest in crowd sourcing detailed complaints; A member of Manhattan Community Board 4 would like to crowd source information related to safety issues or landmarks.
Manhattan Community Board 7 is a pioneer in mapping sidewalk clutter in the Upper West Side. CB7 was interested in collecting information about sidewalk elements, in order to work towards a more walkable and livable neighborhood. The board selected ten sidewalk elements, including benches, bollards, food trucks and trash baskets. They will encourage residents to use the map to identify objects that overcrowd the sidewalk or block the way. Next, the Board will analyze the data added by the community. See cb7.shareabouts.org
Community Boards can use shareabouts.org to collect suggested locations and comments in a social process. With Shareabouts, residents can submit suggestions or complaints, add comments, support locations added by others, and share them with neighbors. Boards can use Shareabouts for a variety of projects. For example, gather suggestions for potential locations for community gardens, get comments and votes on proposed locations for food carts, or collect support for possible bike lanes.