From power grids and parklands to city zoning and crop yields, GIS is proving its value across Africa. Yet progress is limited. Why? Disconnected systems.
In this article, we delve into why integrating GIS data and creating interoperable systems is essential, especially in energy, land, environment, planning, public policy, and academia.
Contents
What Is GIS Interoperability, and Why Does It Matter
Interoperability means systems can exchange and use data seamlessly.
-
A geospatial engineer at KPLC overlays land registry data with substation maps.
-
A planner at KCCA combines population maps with utility and sewer networks.
-
A researcher at KEMRI merges disease outbreak data with environmental factors.
Without interoperability, delays, duplication, and data silos are inevitable.
UN-Habitat found that 45% of African city GIS departments lack interoperable systems, delaying projects by months.
Challenges We Face in Africa
-
Legacy Systems
Many agencies still use outdated GIS software. -
Format Incompatibility
Shapefile, GeoJSON, and KML often don’t talk to each other. -
Limited Real-Time Access
Field data often remains offline and unsynced. -
Institutional Silos
Ministries and utilities rarely share data.
Only 4 out of 14 African utilities have GIS linked to ERP systems, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Real-World Examples of GIS Integration
Energy Utilities
GIS-ERP integration has cut fault isolation time by up to 30%, speeding up maintenance and decisions.
Infrastructure & Transport
GNSS field data combined with GIS risk models is improving runway and corridor planning.
Regional Development
Satellite imagery + socioeconomic layers are guiding cross-border investment models.
Agriculture & Conservation
Geo-referenced farm maps and environmental overlays support sustainable land-use and monitoring.
Nile Basin Initiative
A multi-country pilot links water flow sensors, terrain data, and agricultural overlays for early warning systems.
Also Read: Top 10 GIS Software for Effective Spatial Analysis
Tools & Standards Making It Work
-
Open Standards: OGC and ISO 19115 ensure dataset compatibility.
-
APIs & Cloud Platforms: Enable real-time data access across departments.
-
ESRI Interoperability Extensions: Support cross-format data use.
-
GNSS & Mobile GIS: Connect field teams directly to HQ systems.
The Nile Basin Initiative has implemented a regional hydromet monitoring system. It uses real-time river flow and water-quality data across 11 countries, supporting dashboards and seasonal outlooks.
Why This Matters for Policy, Utilities, and Planning
Organizations across sectors, land ministries, utilities like NAWASSCO, conservation bodies need:
-
Shared dashboards
-
Live field updates
-
Cross-agency visibility
-
Faster, evidence-based decisions
The Nile Basin pilot shows how integrated data can forecast risks across national borders.
Conclusion
Africa’s GIS future won’t be built on siloed datasets, but on connected, interoperable, insight-driven systems.
At IRES, we help you get there. We:
-
Architect interoperable GIS–ERP/SCADA/CMMS stacks.
-
Implement OGC and ISO 19115 standards and data governance frameworks.
-
Build API- and cloud-first pipelines with real-time dashboards.
-
Upskill teams in GeoAI, GNSS, mobile data collection, and hydrological/urban modelling.
-
Run impact sprints to turn proofs-of-concept into production systems.
Make your data actionable.
Explore our GIS Integration Solutions and training programs
I’m a storyteller at heart and a strategist by trade. With over 3 years of experience in digital marketing, content creation, and brand communications, I’ve worked with leading institutions and dynamic brands to shape narratives that resonate. From educational spaces and corporate training to real estate and sustainability, I’ve crafted content that not only speaks but delivers. This blog is my creative space, a reflection of everything I’ve learned (and keep learning) about writing with purpose, building trust, and turning ideas into impact.
Comment here