[The experiment of participatory mapping in order to construct a cartographical alternative to the FHS]

Maps and mapping procedures are useful tools for systematic interpretation and evaluation and for reporting of results to management. Applied to the Family Health Strategy (FHS), these maps permit the demarcation of the territory and the establishment of links between the territory, its population and health services. In this paper the use of maps by the FHS in 17 municipalities in northern and northeastern Brazil is studied and the process of demarcation and digitization of areas with the participation of teams is described. The survey conducted using questionnaires and discussion workshops showed that difficulties still prevail in reconciling the map (drawing) produced at the local level with maps produced by other government sectors. In general, the maps used at local level employ their own references, which prevent the interplay of information with other cartographic documents and their full use as a tool for evaluation and management. The combination of participatory mapping tools, associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications proposed in this paper, represents an alternative to mapping the territory of operations of FHS teams, as well as a reflection on the concept of territory and operation by the FHS.