Contents
Introduction
In 2022, disasters displaced more than 32 million people worldwide, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. When emergencies strike, humanitarian organizations must make life-saving decisions quickly. However, without accurate information on populations, infrastructure, and terrain, responses risk being delayed, duplicated, or misdirected. This is where GIS in humanitarian crises makes the difference.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) turn complex data into actionable maps. These tools help NGOs visualize needs, locate vulnerable populations, and plan efficient interventions. From satellite imagery to open-source community mapping, GIS is no longer a luxury. It has become a lifeline for NGOs working in fragile contexts.
In this article, we explore five powerful ways NGOs use GIS to strengthen humanitarian programs. Each section draws on real-world examples and highlights recent geospatial innovations.
5 Powerful Ways GIS Can Help NGOs in Humanitarian Crises
1. Mapping Crises in Real Time with GIS
When crises strike, information often arrives fragmented or outdated. As a result, responders struggle to see the full picture. GIS tools solve this challenge by integrating satellite imagery, geospatial data, and digital mapping software. They provide a near-real-time view of events as they unfold.
- Case Example: During Cyclone Idai (2019) in Mozambique, NGOs combined satellite imagery with drone mapping. They assessed flood extent, identified damaged roads, and tracked displaced populations. This allowed NGOs and UN agencies to prioritize rescue operations and target relief aid.
- Tools Used: ArcGIS Online, QGIS, and Sentinel-2 satellite data.
By leveraging GIS mapping, NGOs can create maps that show disaster footprints, damaged infrastructure, and access routes. Consequently, aid reaches affected communities faster and with fewer errors.
Also read: Disaster Risk Management: A Must-Have Skill for Humanitarian Experts
2. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap and Community Mapping
In many crisis-affected regions, commercial maps are outdated or completely missing. The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOTOSM) fills this gap by mobilizing volunteers worldwide. These contributors digitize roads, health facilities, and settlements.
- Case Example: In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, home to the world’s largest refugee settlement, NGOs relied on OpenStreetMap data. They mapped shelters, latrines, and water points. This community-driven mapping helped agencies avoid duplication and track service coverage.
- Impact: Open mapping empowers local NGOs and volunteers to contribute directly to crisis response. Moreover, it aligns with the global push toward localization.
Ultimately, GIS in humanitarian crises is not only about technology. It is also about building inclusive mapping systems where communities create maps of their own realities.
3. GIS for Health and Epidemic Response
Public health emergencies are another area where GIS plays a critical role. By linking GIS data with epidemiological information, NGOs can track disease outbreaks, identify hotspots and plan vaccination campaigns.
- Case Example: During the Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014–2016), GIS was used to map infection chains, burial sites, and community health facilities, enabling faster containment strategies.
- Case Example: In the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and NGOs used ArcGIS dashboards to track case numbers, hospital capacity, and vaccination rollout in real time.
GIS software like ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and web mapping platforms allowed NGOs to not only monitor spread but also target interventions to the most vulnerable populations.
4. Strengthening Disaster Preparedness and Climate Adaptation
Crises are no longer just about sudden shocks—they are increasingly tied to climate change. GIS provides predictive insights by combining geospatial information with climate and hazard data.
- Case Example: In the Horn of Africa, NGOs and the World Food Programme use GIS to map drought-prone areas and predict food insecurity. This helps pre-position supplies and design climate adaptation programs.
- Case Example: The Pacific Community (SPC) uses GIS to identify villages at risk of sea-level rise, guiding relocation and coastal protection projects.
By using digital mapping, geospatial technology, and spatial data analysis, NGOs can move from reactive aid to anticipatory action—reducing suffering before crises escalate.
5. GIS for Accountability and Aid Transparency
Donors increasingly expect NGOs to demonstrate where funds go and what impact is achieved. GIS provides transparent, visual evidence of aid delivery.
- Case Example: In Kenya’s drought response (2021–2022), NGOs used GIS dashboards to track cash transfer programs, ensuring funds reached targeted households.
- Case Example: The UNHCR Population Data Portal uses GIS-based maps to show refugee movements, settlements, and assistance coverage.
This kind of geographic information system technology builds trust with donors and affected communities by making aid flows visible, verifiable, and accountable.
Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Humanitarian GIS
While GIS brings clear benefits, NGOs must navigate ethical and practical challenges:
- Data Privacy: Biometric and geospatial data, if misused, can put vulnerable populations at risk.
- Digital Divide: Smaller NGOs may lack access to advanced GIS software or trained staff.
- Bias in Data: Maps are never neutral—who collects the data shapes what is visible.
Addressing these issues requires NGOs to adopt responsible data policies, train humanitarian teams, and use open-source GIS tools where possible.
Future Trends in Humanitarian GIS
Looking ahead, several innovations are set to reshape GIS in humanitarian work:
- AI-assisted Mapping: Machine learning accelerates map creation from satellite data.
- Drone Mapping: Tools like ArcGIS Drone2Map provide rapid damage assessments.
- Mobile GIS: Field staff can now collect and share data directly via apps.
- Localization: More funding will flow to local NGOs using GIS for crisis response.
These trends highlight why GIS systems software and geospatial technology are becoming indispensable in the humanitarian sector.
Building Capacity: Why Training Matters
Even the best GIS systems will fail if NGO staff lack the capacity to use them. Training in GIS software, geospatial data analysis, and digital mapping is critical to ensure consistent, high-quality application across humanitarian programs.
IRES offers humanitarian GIS solutions, equipping teams to create their own maps, analyze spatial data, and meet donor requirements for compliance and accountability.
Conclusion
From real-time crisis mapping to community-driven open mapping, GIS has become a cornerstone of humanitarian action. NGOs that embrace GIS in humanitarian crises position themselves not only to respond more effectively today but also to build resilience for tomorrow.
The future of humanitarian work is spatial—and NGOs that embrace GIS mapping, geospatial data, and digital mapping tools will be best placed to deliver impact, accountability, and hope.
FAQs on GIS in Humanitarian Crises
Q: What GIS software do NGOs use?
A: Popular options include ArcGIS, QGIS, and Humanitarian OpenStreetMap.
Q: How does GIS help in humanitarian crises?
A: It supports mapping, monitoring, disease tracking, disaster preparedness, and donor reporting.
Q: Can smaller NGOs use GIS without big budgets?
A: Yes. Open-source tools like QGIS and OpenStreetMap provide cost-free alternatives.
Q: What is the role of satellite imagery in humanitarian work?
A: It enables rapid assessment of damage, displacement, and resource needs.
Eric is a seasoned digital marketing strategist experienced in brand positioning, content strategy and results-driven campaigns. He has collaborated with leading brands and institutions across Africa to amplify their impact. At IRES, he leads strategic communication efforts and campaigns for leaders in public service and governance, humanitarian work and regional development. Email: [email protected]
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