THE VOICES OF WATER: DEVELOPMENT OF A PARTICIPATORY GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR SPATIOTEMPORAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN THE DOÑA JUANA VOLCANIC GEO-ECOSYSTEM AT NARIÑO, COLOMBIA

Abstract

This research presents the development and implementation of a cloud-based Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) for spatiotemporal water quality monitoring in the Doña Juana Volcanic Geo-ecosystem, Nariño, Colombia. Building upon prior transdisciplinary research conducted by the author—integrated local and generational knowledge with geochemical analysis of waters around the volcano— this work puts into use the four culturally recognized water types (mudas, orgánicas, tibias, and gordas) identified by inhabitants of Las Mesas and nearby villages within a web-accessible monitoring platform that enables continuous, community-driven data collection. The methodology employs a three-tiered architecture: (1) an ArcGIS Pro geodatabase with customized domains incorporating local water classifications; (2) ArcGIS Field Maps for offline-capable mobile data collection by trained community monitors; and (3) an ArcGIS Experience Builder web application providing real-time 3D visualization and spatiotemporal analysis. Community monitors were trained to use portable multiparameter probes to measure temperature (°C), pH, and total dissolved solids (ppm)—parameters that reflect hydrothermal activity through temperature variations, acidity changes, and mineral content fluctuations. This enables scientific documentation of physico-chemical characteristics in water that they have traditionally observed while maintaining correlations between quantitative data and established classifications for detecting possible volcanic or anthropic related changes. By integrating PGIS principles with community-based water monitoring, this research strengthens volcanic risk management through participatory approaches. Furthermore, this system empowers active environmental monitors capable of identifying anomalous patterns potentially signaling volcanic activity, fosters stronger socio-ecological relationships between inhabitants and their territory, and enhances response capacity. Ultimately, this work contributes to early warning systems research and establishes a replicable framework for community-based volcanic surveillance throughout Colombia and other Latin American regions where water, volcanoes, and communities are deeply interconnected.