Summary
Asset mapping is the process by a community inventories its assets and capabilities. The process can take many forms, but is a positive way of identifying both strengths and gaps and identifying a plan for moving forward.
Associated Costs
Consulting
Facilitation
Project Management
Strengths
Asset mapping can be adapted in many ways for different types of communities, budgets, timelines, and to include other tools.
Asset mapping may yield more comprehensive results than similar tools like Capacity Inventrories or Needs Assessments, because it doesn't focus on one type of community asset.
Asset mapping can be a great tool for a struggling community because it forces people to start thinking about positive aspects.
Limitations
Certain elements of character or community issues may not be considered assets and may be overlooked; processes like visioning are better able to describe what the community would like to become.
Good asset mapping requires a significant amount of creativity and organization, which can take time and money.
Sometimes problems do legitimately need to be addressed, and asset mapping can be viewed as unrealistic for leaving them out.
Submitted By:
svannostrand
Last Updated: October 14, 2014, 8:49 am