What is one potential challenge of participatory mapping?

One potential challenge of participatory mapping is the difficulty in integrating professional data sets. Participatory mapping typically involves gathering input from local communities to create maps that reflect their knowledge and needs. However, these community-generated datasets are often qualitative and subjective, which can present challenges when trying to combine them with quantitative professional datasets. Professional data sets tend to follow stricter standards and methodologies for gathering and analyzing data. The discrepancies between these two types of data can lead to difficulties in achieving a cohesive final product that adequately represents both the community's insights and existing professional information.

This integration challenge highlights the importance of finding effective ways to bridge the gap between community input and professional data to create meaningful and accurate maps that serve the community's needs while adhering to professional standards. Balancing these differing perspectives and methodologies can be complex and requires careful consideration and collaboration among all involved stakeholders.