Integrating Digital PPGIS With Qualitative Research Methods: A Framework for Complementary Mixed-Methods Research Design in Participatory Planning

Digital Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) offers scalability but often oversimplifies complex socio-spatial phenomena and lacks the nuance of qualitative methods. While integration attempts exist, they frequently lack systematic protocols, leading to fragmented insights. This paper addresses this critical gap by proposing an integrative framework. This novel, theoretically grounded approach is distinguished not by new techniques but by its systematic orchestration of established methods for data collection, analysis, validation, and synthesis. This protocol enhances data validity and richness, empowering researchers and practitioners to foster more inclusive, robust, and democratically legitimate participatory spatial planning outcomes.