Supporting knowledge sharing and learning via semantic geographical maps

Map-based applications are a good starting point for helping teachers in the preparation of learning material and students in their researches in social sciences. However, they offer basic information filtering support to the generation of dynamic maps. In this paper, we investigate the adoption of semantic knowledge representation and cooperative work approaches for managing thematic maps in group-based learning activities. Moreover, we present a possible solution, based on the OnToMap Participatory GIS, which uses an ontological representation of geographical information to support multi-faceted information retrieval, crowdsourcing, and map creation.