Tools and methods

Geospatial data encompass all information that is ‘geotagged’ to an exact geographical location on earth. This information can be remotely sensed from space—i.e. satellite imagery—but can also be collected from databases, surveys, project documents, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems. The use of geospatial data on project variables has become an attractive solution to fill the void of field missions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluators, however, were using geospatial data in evaluation even before travel was restricted. There is now an incredible opportunity for evaluators to use geospatial data more effectively and efficiently.

In this blog, the authors discuss the advantages as well as the drawbacks of the use of geospatial data in evaluation.