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. Geographic cognizance is the concept of applying to the strategic planning process the geography that underlies all human activity.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow users to apply the concepts of geographic cognizance to link data using a common geography. Once data is linked using geography, GIS can facilitate analysis and understanding of data through its ability to manage that data and produce decision-support tools such as maps.

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.

Geographic cognizance and 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 geographic information systems (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.