UNDP leverages the power of data to stay at the forefront of global development, with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) increasingly utilized in programme and crisis response. 

GIS technologies combine data layers to help us visualize, analyze, and understand geospatial patterns and relationships, creating a comprehensive, real-time view of an area, from population density to climate change impacts. 

The UNDP GIS Team has been conducting GIS analyses for projects, building capacity for GIS technologies across UNDP since 2016, hosting and maintaining a corporate GIS server and providing GIS tools and applications that allow offices to access and integrate datasets to inform key development policies and programmes. 

Afghanistan CO examples the illustrate GIS's potential in making programme interventions more targeted and effective. 

GIS in Action: Afghanistan

Data and geospatial technologies form an integral part of the UNDP development initiatives in Afghanistan, from monitoring development projects to supporting decision-making. By integrating data layers containing valuable information such as the geographic distribution of schools, energy use, population density, socio-economic indicators, and infrastructure, the office can identify regions with high development needs. This ensures that UN and donor resources are directed to areas that offer the most significant impact. 

Interview with GIS Specialist Lucy Chepkochei at UNDP Afghanistan

GIS Specialist Lucy Chepkochei at UNDP Afghanistan explains,

“By combining satellite imagery and primary data with needs assessment analysis, including livelihoods, justice and social cohesion, gender, and infrastructure, UNDP understand through data insights, the development trends and patterns in Afghanistan. This helps UNDP in resource allocation, allowing us to identify which populations are most in need, determine how and where to support them.”

As Afghanistan is highly prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods and droughts, GIS also helps in emergency response. By mapping disaster zones and analyzing risk factors, UNDP can develop early warning and emergency response plans to mitigate impacts and enhance community resilience.

As Afghanistan is highly prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods and droughts, GIS also helps in emergency response. By mapping disaster zones and analyzing risk factors, UNDP can develop early warning and emergency response plans to mitigate impacts and enhance community resilience.

Building Capacity and Community

Since 2016, the UNDP GIS Team has supported over 500 colleagues globally in leveraging GIS techniques and tools. They advise personnel on best practices for using these technologies in their country context, build GIS capacity in offices through annual GIS trainings, and foster a GIS community to share data and build collective insights.