Strengthening Geospatial Information Management: Using the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework

The Integrated Geospatial Information Framework is the United Nations endorsed Framework that was developed in collaboration between the United Nations and the World Bank to provide a basis and guide for countries to reference when developing and strengthening their national and sub-national arrangements in geospatial information management and related information infrastructures.

Week One answers the questions “What is geospatial information, how is it used and what is its socio-economic value to a country?” Week Two explains the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework, the major drivers for its use and the strategic pathways that guide successful integrated geospatial information management. Week Three delves into the structure of the Framework focusing on the strategic pathways in more detail. And Week Four explains creating a country-level action.

Week 1: The Value of Geospatial Information

Concentrates on learning about geospatial information - what it is, and how it is used - and importantly, how it supports economic growth, improved social wellbeing and the protection of the environment. By the end of this week, you will be able to:

• Explain what geospatial information is.
• Describe how geospatial information is used.
• Explain the value of geospatial information to the economy, people and the environment.

Week 2: Introducing the Framework

Explains the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and how is provides guidance that enables countries to develop specific action plans strengthen their current capabilities in geospatial information management. By the end of this week, you will be able to:

• Understand the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and what it is used for.
• Be able to describe the vision, mission, goals and underpinning principles of the Framework.
• Understand the strategic drivers and pathways for success.

Week 3: Solving the Puzzle: Understanding the Implementation Guide

Provides guidance on how to interpret the nine Strategic Pathways in the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework and how they used to develop Country-level Action Plans. By the end of this week, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of the Strategic Pathways?
• Understand the key elements of each strategic pathway and the three focus areas - Governance, Technology and People?
• Have an in-depth understanding of the structure of the strategic pathways in the Implementation Guide.

Week 4: Creating an IGIF Country-Level Action

Week 4 provides guidance on how to develop an Country-level Action Plan using the nine Strategic Pathways of the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework.

It is important that Action Plans are country-specific and strategically aligned to the priorities of government and citizens.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand the process for creating a country-level action plan.
• Conduct a Baseline Assessment.
• Determine your Vision, Mission and Goals.
• Align your Action Plan to the strategic needs and priorities in your region.
• Use the IGIF Implementation Guide to determine the Actions you need to take to fill a gap in capability.