Mapping Tool
The Mapping Tool (MT) is a novel digital solution that supports cultural actors in applying for permits for cultural events by streamlining the application process. The Mapping Tool Project (MTP) is a project of the Kollektiv Spieltrieb e.V. It is funded by Berlin’s Senate Department for Culture and Europe as part of the funding for the digital development of the cultural sector.
Project goals
The MTP aims to develop a digital web map application to help cultural organizers apply for their events with local authorities. The tool will make it easier for event organizers to identify suitable public spaces and submit application forms and documents to the authorities in the required formats. Our immediate goals for this first phase of the project are to develop a MUV (Minimal Useable Version), which is a new development of how application procedures can be automated and optimized for Berlin. These immediate goals are linked to our long-term goals of providing cultural organizers with a tool that makes it easier for them to dialogue with the authorities and hold cultural events in public spaces, while optimizing approval procedures for both cultural organizers and public administrations.
Problemfields
The idea for the tool arose from a persistent mismatch that exists in Berlin. Cultural organizers want to hold cultural events in public spaces but find it difficult to navigate the administrative procedures for obtaining the necessary permits. For organizers, there is a lack of accessible tools harmonized with the city’s geodata to identify suitable locations for events. They also find it difficult to understand and navigate the respective administrative processes. This complexity results in incomplete or incorrect applications delivered to the local authorities, creating a taxation on time and resources to consult with the applicants.
Proposed solutions
The Mapping Tool project aims to develop a digital tool that optimizes the spatial and procedural dimensions of processing an event application. It is based on a GIS-based platform that integrates spatial information layers, captures relevant site characteristics and thus supports the search for a venue. In addition to the location search, the mapping tool includes an application assistant in which all relevant information about the event project is brought together. This information is then used to generate precise and reliable application documents. This includes application forms, necessary attachments as well as the corresponding site plans, which can be drawn directly from within the platform.
Space of Urgency’s role
The Mapping Tool project is a subsidiary project of the Kollektiv-Spieltrieb e.V.. Developers of the Space of Urgency project have been responsible for the tools conceptualization, funding acquisition and now overseeing the role of project management.
Approach
The primary user group of the Mapping Tool are organizers of cultural events in public spaces, especially those that are non-professional or not-for-profit – i.e. mainly pursuing social and cultural goals.The Mapping Tool is being developed together with representatives of this user group to ensure that it is accessible and easy to use, as well as being developed in a needs-based way. It is also being developed in close consultation with representatives of the relevant administration of two boroughs (Pankow and Reinickendorf) to ensure that it takes into account all relevant requirements as well as borough-specific differences.
Outcome
The mapping tool will directly improve the problematic situation as follows:
- Standardization of the procedure (contact persons, forms, etc.)
- Improve access to information on the approval process
- Support in the coordination of different applications and authorities
- Acceleration of information exchange to optimize processing time
- Reduction of the need for discussions, e.g. regarding general questions of principle on the procedure
- Clear, coordinated guidelines on the scope of applications to support complete application documents
- Optimisation of processing time and official coordination through digitisation of procedures
- Development of land management systems to simplify the overview of land use, conflicts of use, etc.