Humanitarian organizations seldom have the resources and expertise to research and evaluate the many technologies that are increasingly important to their work. As they strive to serve their communities, cope with crises, and complete aid projects around the world, they are increasingly aware of the promise of geospatial information systems, commonly known as GIS, and the rapidly increasing use of technology tools like Google Earth.
The goal of Maps 2.0 is to enable humanitarian organizations to post, access, share, modify, and use critical, geo-referenced information in emergency relief operations, post-emergency reconstruction, and continuing development projects. This project, a collaboration that includes Mercy Corps, World Vision, Medical Teams International, and other humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), will:
- Identify and evaluate the most promising GIS technologies;
- Inform NGO managers of available, operational solutions that would help relief, development, and capacity building teams;
- Help nonprofit/NGO managers to determine which GIS/mapping tools are appropriate for their use and benefit;
- Investigate the organizational processes and technologies that support collaborative information management and mapping; and
- Demonstrate the potential of map-based technology tools in a field environment.
We and our NGO partners believe that GIS solutions will make humanitarian teams safer and more effective. In most field situations, and especially in disaster response operations, decision makers need a common operating picture, showing what relevant activities are occurring, and where.
To address the need and opportunity, HumaniNet has formed a community of practice that has already begun to research the possibilities of GIS. This community includes experienced humanitarian managers and technology experts who have agreed to be advisors to the project.
Maps 2.0 has been made possible through a generous grant of the Meyer Memorial Trust and contributions from our other donors. You may help support this project with an online donation at our “Donate Now” button.
Project Description
In 2008, we will identify and test one or more operational systems that could be used by humanitarian agencies in field conditions, including a realistic field test in a simulated emergency. The Maps 2.0 initiative in 2008 will lay the foundation for creating a reliable operational, multi-user capability for participating organizations in 2009, expanding the coalition and building capacity.
The Maps 2.0 strategy is unfolding in four phases:
Phase 1 is under way. A core team has been formed and has the commitment of NGO field users in Afghanistan, Sudan, and other countries to help determine field data requirements and begin research on promising candidate solutions.
During Phase 2, we will conduct an initial evaluation of candidate systems on the basis of agreed criteria.Phase 2 begins with a research subphase, followed by an evaluation and demonstration subphase. A series of Webcasts will enable NGO managers worldwide to review the research progress and findings.
In Phase 3, HumaniNet will lead the field evaluation, to be conducted in November 2008 during a field simulation exercise in Thailand hosted by ADRA Asia and Caritas Australia. The exercise will build on the highly successful simulations in Indonesia and Nepal in 2006 and 2007. A workshop preceding the field simulation will enable regional NGO managers to examine and discuss the most promising solutions.
In Phase 4, we will publicize project results, conclusions, and recommendations to the wider humanitarian community through Web articles, e-newsletters and blog, and partner networks.
Maps 2.0 will enable our NGO partners to begin a systematic, collaborative approach to sharing critical information in emergency responses and sharing best practices in GIS mapping. This will foster greater awareness of the technology, a vigorous dialogue among users and technologists, and a better understanding of how to select and use GIS tools.
By making humanitarian field teams more effective, Maps 2.0 will also benefit the thousands of communities and projects served by our humanitarian and nonprofit partners.
