In this paper we present PPGISr, an open source R package for Public Participatory GIS (PPGIS). The online Shiny application and customisable R function enables capturing and using spatial information for participatory planning processes and scientific inquiry. With functionality to add a user-defined editable map, basemaps and mapping categories, the application is highly flexible for guiding decision-making in diverse contexts. Moreover, online functionality reduces time and cost barriers to participation through synchronous and asynchronous engagement. While there are numerous user-friendly decision support tools based on GIS, PPGISr adds novel functionality for the collection and analysis of users’ location priority areas.