Connecting People and Places

Exploring the potential of VGI for community development and disaster response is the focus of this chapter. It examined the impact of VGI on community growth, including active participation, inclusivity, and trust-building. The use of the latest web technologies and the incorporation of spatial and temporal information are highlighted. The chapter also explored the relationship between community development, citizen diplomacy, and disaster response. The chapter concluded with a framework based on social capital theory that emphasizes social networks, norms and values, trust, collective action, and bridging and bonding. Future research directions include investigating VGI's effectiveness, exploring the role of technology, and understanding the interconnectedness of disaster response, community development, and citizen diplomacy.