Volunteered Geographic Information

Geographic information voluntarily created and shared by citizens, often using GPS-enabled smartphones, mapping tools, and online platforms. VGI enables large-scale collection of spatial data at low cost through citizen participation. In accessibility contexts, VGI includes reports of physical barriers, accessible routes, curb ramp locations, and surface conditions contributed by community members to platforms like OpenStreetMap and Wheelmap. The quality and coverage of VGI depend on participant motivation and engagement, which has led researchers to explore gamification and other incentive mechanisms to sustain contributions.