Geographic data for better decision making — Afghan Government launches new policies
Geographic data is increasingly being recognised as an essential element for evidence based decision making. Harnessing this capability effectively within humanitarian, stabilisation and development programmes is not straightforward. Standardising and gaining consensus for an approach to using geographic data at the national level is considerably tougher.
However, on Wednesday 6 September, this is what the Afghan Government did, launching two new policies on the use of geographic data within its Government departments.
These policies, covering spatial data standards and data classification, will ensure that all ministries in the country use a common set of foundation geographic data from which to plan and deliver development projects across the country. As such, these policies will enable greater evidence based decision making within and between Ministries in Afghanistan, leading to better and more sustainable outcomes for the country.
These two policies are the first outputs from a three year project, funded by the Asian Development Bank and implemented by Alcis. The project will now support the cross-departmental user community in implementing these policies. The project will as well design and supervise the roll-out of a Geographic Information Systems based online platform. This platform will host the country’s national foundation geographic datasets, making a single version of consistent data accessible for use across all Ministries.
About Alcis: Alcis is a UK based Geographic Information Systems company that works in fragile and conflict affected states. Alcis has 13 years of experience using geographic data and information systems to support national and international institutions in Afghanistan, where Alcis is seen by many as the leading geospatial company supporting this country.
