Frequently asked questions
The StadtRaumMonitor is based on the "Place Standard Tool", which was developed in Scotland and has been used there since 2015. The tool has the overarching goal of reducing health and social inequalities and sustainably improving living environments. The development and introduction of the StadtRaumMonitor in Germany was scientifically supported by the Bochum University of Applied Sciences for Health in order to ensure a systematic and evidence-based approach to adapting the tool for the German context. Prior to its nationwide introduction, the StadtRaumMonitor was tested in a pilot phase with four model municipalities. This pilot phase made it possible to test the tool under real conditions and then adapt it again before making it publicly available.
The tool is based on a participatory approach that involves local people as experts on their living environment. This approach is in line with current findings in health promotion, which emphasizes the importance of citizen participation and local knowledge. The fact that similar versions of the tool are also used in other countries such as the Netherlands and Spain indicates a broad evidence base and international validation of the concept.
An overview of the evidence base on the impact of the individual categories of the StadtRaumMonitor on human health will soon be available in the media library.
First of all, what is meant by "representativeness in surveys"? As it is generally not possible to survey the so-called population (i.e. the entire population or all people in a specific target group), a sample is examined instead. This sample should be as "representative" as possible of the population as a whole, allowing statements to be made about a much larger group and, as a result, the correct conclusions to be drawn. This is also feasible with the UrbanRoomMonitor. There are various methods for compiling such samples. An example of how a representative sample was selected for a StadtRaumMonitor application in a municipality can be found in the profile of the city of Karlsruhe.
Determine in advance how your population is defined. To whom should the statements and conclusions made later refer? To the entire population of the living environment under consideration, or rather to individual target groups? Which sample can best represent the population and what methods and procedures can be used to compile this group?
The idea behind the StadtRaumMonitor is to offer a versatile discussion guide that can be used to gather opinions - especially from population groups that are normally difficult to reach in the context of citizen participation. The StadtRaumMonitor therefore does not primarily pursue the goal of representative surveys, but rather aims to supplement existing ideas and opinions in a municipality with the voices of selected target groups. However, the StadtRaumMonitor can help to make statements about the state of a living environment based on the voices of different population groups and to prioritize future municipal measures, which meets the municipalities' desire for a representative picture of public opinion.
The respective objectives and results of some of the municipalities using the StadtRaumMonitor can be viewed on the basis of the profiles that can be found in the media library. Depending on the specific context, the target group and the intention behind the application of the StadtRaumMonitor , the observed effects may differ. From the pilot projects and our annual survey of registered users ("admins"), we know that participating municipalities have observed an increase in citizen participation, regardless of gender, age or existing local involvement. The application also makes it clear which target groups could not be activated to the intended extent. The municipalities also report a strengthening of intersectoral cooperation, an increase in expertise and improved structures with stakeholders at administrative and political level. According to the municipalities, the StadtRaumMonitor contributes to the development, reflection and evaluation of municipal strategies and measures, particularly with its qualitative evaluation options.
The standard version of the StadtRaumMonitor has been available in plain language since 2023. However, applications with people with learning difficulties have revealed a variety of challenges. These challenges and barriers are being researched in co-design with people with learning difficulties and intellectual disabilities as part of the "DiKomAll - Digital Municipality for All" project (2023-2026) funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim is to make the StadtRaumMonitor available in plain language in future.
We endeavor to regularly check and revise the accessibility of the StadtRaumMonitor website. Most recently, controls for setting the age and rating of the questions as well as error messages in the event of non-entry were created in the survey area. Some changes have also been made to the start page: the "hamburger menu", including the individual menu sub-items, can now also be accessed via the keyboard. The structural elements of the headings have been adjusted. Links that were only marked with "Here" have been named accordingly so that they provide information about the link destination. The current accessibility statement (as of 11/24) can be found here: https://stadtraummonitor.bzga.de/barrierefreiheit/.
The StadtRaumMonitor is now available as an online tool in various languages: German, English, Turkish, Russian and Arabic. The language can be selected by the respective user in the top right-hand corner and in the mobile version on the left-hand side of the navigation bar. The page has been translated automatically and machine-based. This also applies if a registered admin creates their own survey and distributes the link to it.
The website is also available in both plain language and sign language. Barriers can be reported at any time. We are currently working on a version of the analog application materials in easy language (see question "How does the StadtRaumMonitor address the topic of inclusion").
The questions in the StadtRaumMonitor online application cannot be changed or only partially used. The StadtRaumMonitor team generally recommends using the StadtRaumMonitor in its existing form and in full.
However, we are open to adaptations in order to cover region-specific needs. It is important that any additions or adaptations are clearly indicated. If the StadtRaumMonitor is extensively modified, a corresponding survey may no longer run under the name "StadtRaumMonitor". In the case of an adapted "analog" use, it should also be noted that the subsequent use of the online tool for evaluation purposes is no longer possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about desired reductions or additions. We would also be pleased to receive feedback on the application afterwards. This will enable us to form a better opinion as to whether an adapted or modified use of the tool makes sense in the long term.
The StadtRaumMonitor can of course also be used as inspiration for the creation of your own survey. The consideration of (regional) differences in the context of the use of the StadtRaumMonitor is normally done via the moderation, e.g. in a group discussion, or in an online survey via the welcome text.
If you have any questions or need support, you can generally contact stadtraummonitor@bioeg.de by email at any time.
If you have specific questions about the application in Baden-Württemberg or North Rhine-Westphalia, you can contact the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration or the North Rhine-Westphalia State Center directly.
