Integrating GIS in M&E

"On its own, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) can serve as an effective management tool that improves the prospects of achieving desired outcomes for any given project. Adding a GIS-based map output to M&E can dramatically improve the effectiveness and communications of results to management, stakeholders and the public; this guide shows you how." - Excerpt from the guide

This guide was developed for integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). It is freely available (see below) to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals interested in learning how to go about integrating GIS in M&E.

The contents include an introduction and overview of M&E, including the idea that people and organisations need M&E as a good management tool to achieve results. "Just as governments and organizations need financial, human resource, and audit systems, they also need good performance feedback systems....Monitoring is the process of data collection and measurement of progress toward stated objectives....Evaluation is the periodic assessment of changes in desired outcomes that can be attributable to a program’s interventions."


In the section "What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)?", the document describes: "GIS is a computer system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating and displaying geographically referenced information, i.e. data identified according to their locations." Some of the advantages of GIS include, among others, designing geospatial systems for, for example, clean water or integrating information for efficient transportation, or integrating taxation information for budget planning.

 
The "Plan" section begins with needs assessment, which is dependent on the quality of data capturing methods and the proper structuring of the attribute data for planning. "M&E is temporally focused on measuring changes and outcomes occurring over time, while GIS is spatially oriented–identifying where the outcomes are occurring." The doucment describes the difference between a database displayed in a spread sheet "one dimensionally" and GIS data displayed "relationally." Minimum requirements include trained staff, indicators to be monitors and evlauted that spatial coordinates, M&E database management in place, electronic datacapture, staff with field experience, and Global Positioning System (GPS) handheld units.


The "Implementation" section describes: pre-field work, including a checklist and samples of data capture forms; methods of using the GPS device for collecting coordinates; software; development of geospatial datasets; and file formats.

The author gives samples of revealing hidden patterns frmo data and preparing data for dissemination. He discusses metadata and provides descriptions of available software and a glossary of technical terminology as appendices.

To download a free copy, please send an email request to: info@aidatasolutions.com