Map-based survey
A survey where respondents answer by marking places, areas or routes directly on a map.
Also known as: map survey, spatial survey, location-based survey
A map-based survey combines ordinary survey questions with questions answered on a map. Instead of writing "the junction by the station", the respondent drops a pin there, draws an area or traces a line along a route. Every answer gets a coordinate and can be analysed geographically.
The method is used above all in urban planning, resident dialogue and research, where the question "where" matters as much as "what" and "why". Results can be shown as heatmaps, clusters or filtered map layers and cross-referenced with the other survey answers.
How it works in MapX
MapX has five map question types: marker, line, polygon, transport route and media marker. Responses appear on a map as points, clusters or a heatmap, and export to CSV, PDF or PowerPoint.