Maps and models

Research area 3 investigates how maps, models and cartographic methods influence the understanding of sustainable land use, and how they help to shape, legitimise and challenge priorities, decisions and management practices. The work will develop knowledge about how maps and geospatial models can function as inclusive tools in planning, decision-making and resource management, and how different perspectives and values ​​can be integrated into a flexible and purpose-oriented knowledge base throughout different phases of planning. This also includes how different knowledge systems, including local and indigenous knowledge, can be included in decision support.

The research area will further develop the public, cross-sectoral thematic map base in Norway, together with methods for data integration and geospatial tools that can contribute to knowledge-based, efficient and transparent planning and management. This includes the development of user-friendly, reliable and explainable AI-supported geospatial tools.

Through the visualization of complex geographical relationships, trade-offs and long-term consequences, the research area will contribute to realizing the potential of geographic information for sustainable land use and well-functioning ecosystems. The work will also strengthen the applicability, legitimacy and transparency of maps and models in practical planning and decision-making. The research area builds on and contributes to research on knowledge (Research Area 1), decision-making (Research Area 2) and narratives about land use (Research Area 4), and responds to the need for new maps and tools identified in Research Area 2.

Theme

This research area has the following themes:

• Maps, knowledge and power

• Geodata for sustainable decisions

• Further development of geospatial tools