Training on Visual Survey Methods

Trainer: Prof. Sanghamitra Roy

The aim of this training was to introduce visual survey methods in qualitative research along with its scope and importance. EQUIMOB team and the UNFPA ToT participants attended the workshop. Explanation of different types of visual survey methods, with a focus on environmental mapping for the EQUIMOB project, was carried out. As part of this, the participants were introduced to cognitive mapping, behavioural mapping and tracking through relevant examples. Further, a hands-on exercise on cognitive mapping was done in order to understand how individuals interpret and use spaces.

For the next exercise on behavioural mapping, the participants headed to Udupi city, which is 5 km west of Manipal, Karnataka. They were divided into four groups and given instructions about how to carry out this exercise. Each group was assigned certain locations in and around Udupi city and service bus terminals. The participants prepared the behavioural maps highlighting travel behaviour and physical barriers. In the concluding part of the workshop, the participants presented their visual maps from the field followed by discussions and feedback. The workshop equipped participants to develop visual survey tools for their respective field sites.

Researchers taking field notes and doing observations in Udupi city

Prof. Sanghamitra Roy introduces the visual survey method training to the research group