CRS ICT4D Conference

For over 15 years, Development Gateway (DG) has specialized in developing tools and systems that enable ‘non-techies' to analyze complex datasets for better decision-making. Geospatial tools like GIS maps can visualize project information in a way that tells a clear story, to help development professionals make data-driven decisions, no matter their technical background.

This session focuses on how geospatial tools can be used by development implementers to plan and evaluate development interventions. To illustrate possibilities, we will discuss two relevant examples: the newly-redesigned Aid Management Platform (AMP) GIS Module (used by nearly 10 developing country governments), and the MONITOR GIS Analytic Dashboard. Both demonstrate how the right technology can help non-experts use data to greater effect in development. DG will share important lessons-learned from these tools and lead a broader discussion about how similar tools and approaches can be used to benefit all of the organizations present at the conference. 

Demonstration Tools 

AMP is used to strengthen public financial management and publicize donor aid information in over 25 countries. Its new GIS module -- launched in late 2014 -- allows non-expert government, donor and CSO users to visualize aid project information in relation to relevant statistical indicators. It also allows users to easily create maps and share data and visualizations. 
MONITOR GIS is a mapping dashboard developed for integration with USAID/Colombia's existing information management system. The platform has the ability to display sub-national data on USAID/Colombia's activities, create sub-national aggregations of USAID/Colombia M&E data, and overlay statistical indicators from USAID's ArcGIS Online database with programmatic and performance data. These capabilities increase the value of USAID/Colombia's information by creating better analytical and narrative outputs -- a boon when deciding where to allocate resources or seeking programmatic buy-in and funding.