Abstract: Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS or PPGIS) is the spontaneous linkage of participatory concepts and approaches with Geographic Information Techniques and System (GIT&S). In the last two decades, it was both a technology and a tool for assisting communities and the public to organize scientific and indigenous spatial knowledge systems by using GIT&S. It was also a planning support system (PSS) for effective participatory planning and decision-making at community, regional levels. Based on the reviewed references and authors’ perspectives of PGIS, this paper comprehensively introduces the technical and social backgrounds of PGIS. In the context of participation, the paper also identifies the main features of PGIS (after screening the merits against the demerits of traditional GIS). The paper further evaluates the global application patterns of PGIS under participatory programs and conditions. The paper specifically notes web-based PPGIS, community-integrated GIS, visual-interactive PGIS and GIS for participation. The review shows that PGIS is still in its infancy and requires in-depth research on the technical, social and political issues of participation.