Exploring MapWhiteboard — Collaborative mapping for smarter decision-making

On December 9th, the PoliRuralPlus webinar series continued with a session led by Runar Bergheim (Asplan Viak), who presented the MapWhiteboard technology — an innovative tool that enables real-time, collaborative map editing and discussion.

Originally developed from the PoliRural project, MapWhiteboard brings to spatial planning what Google Docs brought to text editing: true, synchronous collaboration. Runar demonstrated how planners, engineers, and policymakers can work together on the same map — seeing each other’s cursors, annotations, and changes in real time.

Two key use cases were showcased:

• Planning coordination, where multiple authorities can jointly review and adjust building permit proposals directly on a shared map;
  
• Precision farming, where farmers and advisors collaborate on data-driven decisions using live map interaction.
  

The session included a technical walkthrough of MapWhiteboard’s architecture, including its web and GIS clients, server backend using WebSockets, and integration options for OpenLayers and React applications. Attendees also saw a live demonstration of collaborative editing, redlining, and data sharing.

In closing, Runar acknowledged contributors from Avinet and the Czech technical team, inviting participants to integrate MapWhiteboard into their own projects. The tool is available for experimentation and open collaboration within the PoliRuralPlus ecosystem.

👉 Follow our website and social media channels for upcoming webinars in the PoliRuralPlus Tools series — exploring how digital innovation supports smarter, more participatory regional development.