Blog
Social Mapping – how we use places socially and how to map them
How do we use places socially and how do we map them? Place makes a difference to how we act socially. One of the core purposes of Public Map is map social places – to help us better understand the places that local children, young people, and adults, value as social spaces, and where they feel social space needs to be improved. In this blog, Matluba Khan and Tom Smith introduce the social mapping work they’re leading.
The Growing Role of Welsh in Lle Llais
From its beginnings in 2024 to a stronger return in 2025, Lle Llais has shown how Welsh can move from the sidelines to the heart of community events on Ynys Môn. This post explores how the project is helping the language flourish — and why its story matters for the future of Cymraeg
Public Map: helping to realise a Wellbeing Economy
In this blog, Rachel explores how Public Map speaks to a Wellbeing Economy agenda and is a tangible tool and set of practices that contribute to shifting our economic system.
Exciting plans afoot: phase 2 of Public Map
Thanks to the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Public Map has been awarded a further £3.1m to continue our work over the next 2 ½ years. In this blog, Professor Flora Samuel shares the exciting plans and areas of focus during phase 2.
Making maps move: Reflections on Lle Llais animation workshops
How can we invite children’s creativity into mapping, using movement and animation to make our maps feel alive? Nia reflects on children’s thoughtful, surprising, and vibrant animations made during Lle Llais workshops, and how they can communicate with other children in a unique way.
Cultural Responses to Ynys Môn’s Archaeology
How do archaeological features connect us to our landscapes and how do we represent this on a map? Adele Burnett explores these important questions and connections.
Enabling children’s agency: monitoring and taking action on indoor air quality
Working with students from Ysgol Morswyn and Ysgol Llanfechell, we’ve been exploring air quality from a local perspective. Using personal air sensors, the children gathered data in their homes and mapped out pollution levels in their surroundings. The project revealed key sources of indoor pollution, especially the impact of wood-burning stoves, and encouraged important discussions about air quality and health. It’s a simple but effective way to involve young people in understanding their environment and thinking about practical solutions.
‘What does adventure look like?’ Creating icons for a communal map of Anglesey
How can we use objects, noises, and movement to communicate what is special about our favourite places? Play:Disrupt invited the young people of Anglesey to explore this question, and here are the results…
Green Futures: mapping as a medium for self-expression and supporting decision making
In this blog, Daniel, one of the project’s Community Mappers, shares the work he’s been doing delivering mapping workshops in primary schools. Focusing on environmental issues, the workshops have sought to engage children in mapping their local areas, and how mapping can be a medium for self-expression and supporting decision making.
The Medieval Extents of Anglesey – Mapping the Domesday Book of North Wales
After the English conquest of Wales, the kings of England and their heirs commissioned Extents to find out just how much they could tax the Welsh – Dr Nia Jones talks about how these documents work, and what mapping their information onto our modern map of Anglesey can tell us about our past.
Learning Welsh: finding my sense of place, community and heritage
My journey of learning Welsh since moving to Wales in 2023 and how the language connects me to sense of place, community and my Welsh heritage. How working for Public Map Platform as a Community Mapper enriches my understanding of these connections.
Video - Lle Llais: Côr yr Aelwyd
Take a look and get an insight into the many ways Ynys Mon shapes friendships, family and fun amongst participating children and young people.
Podcast: The Girl and the White Stones
A New Tale by Gillian Brownson, with Imaginative Ideas from the Children of Anglesey
