The class introduces geospatial technologies as action tools tailored to the analysis and support of participatory projects and community-based research for urban and regional spaces. The class explores open source desktop and web-based geospatial tool-sets for research, design and visualization of urban conditions, as well as strategies for intervention and transformation of issues and challenges facing urban communities. Students will gain valuable experience in harnessing ‘open data’ and creating innovative mapping tools for the empowerment local urban communities.