Geographic Information Systems
- Data Source: Revising the Costed National MVC Programme, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, 2007
There is a geography associated with all human activity. Geospatial tools allow users to use the geography that underlies all human activity to the strategic planning process.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a key tool for this work. GIS can facilitate analysis and understanding of data through its ability to manage that data and produce decision-support tools such as maps. One of the overlooked capabilities for GIS is its ability to link data using a common geography. This type of linking can be the best way to break down barriers that limit data use.
Maps can be a powerful and useful way to present data in a form that is easier to understand than just tables and charts. GIS can also improve data quality by allowing data users the ability to use multiple datasets to validate data.
Geospatial tools such as GIS can lead to better data and gives users the power to produce data products to more effectively understand and communicate the story the data is able to tell.
MEASURE Evaluation provides guidance and technical assistance in using and adapting GIS to governments, NGOs, and other decision makers around the world. MEASURE Evaluation has produced standardized protocols for the collection of locations using the global positioning system (GPS), and has lead the MEASURE GIS Working Group, a group made up of MEASURE partners that meets to improve collaboration and communication regarding the use of GIS.
