Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) has evolved as a response to the accelerating pressure from the expansion of various coastal activities on coastal zones worldwide. Issue identification and assessment is the first but crucial phase of ICZM, involving the development of a “Coastal Profile” that combines environmental and socioeconomic information. This thesis evaluates the usefulness of a participatory mapping approach to develop a coastal profile using a Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS). It focuses on ICZM implementation in Aqaba, the only coastal city in Jordan, where an initial assessment of ICZM challenges using semi-structured interviews showed a clear need to capture spatial knowledge and enhance the role of non-officials in the decision-making process. The participatory mapping processes allow acquiring a rich and unique qualitative and spatial knowledge.