1. Precision
Before collecting location information, consider the needs of your primary and secondary audiences. The main issue to be resolved is the required level of precision. Does the information you are collecting need to be reported/displayed at a state or province level (low level of precision), at a town or neighborhood level (medium level of precision), or is a specific address or set of coordinates required (high level of precision)? Although your initial audience may require only a low level of precision, often the same information is later required at a higher level of precision.
Although precise information can be made more general, general information cannot be made more precise; therefore, USAID/OFDA recommends that you collect the information with the highest level of precision reasonably possible without adding a significant risk or burden to the team. Precise information can be aggregated for use in broader analyses or strategic level planning while still serving field-level utility, thereby satisfying multiple needs.
Low level of precision location information is gathered at a broad scale, such as the state or province level. Information gathered at this level is suitable for analyses at a broad scale, such as at the OFDA/W level.
Medium level of precision location information is gathered at a town or neighborhood level. Although more informative than low precision location information, medium precision location infor-mation is often too general to be useful at the field level.
High level of precision location information can comprise addresses in urban environments, landmark navigation from known points, or coordinates.
Precision of the | Example |
1 km2 | 16S FL 123 123 |
10,000 m2 | 16S FL 1234 1234 |
100 m2 | 16S FL 12345 12345 |
Latitude/Longitude | MGRS |
Divides globe into degrees, minutes, and seconds | Divides globe into grid system based on meters |
Coordinate describes an exact point | Coordinate describes a grid cell or area |
Can be made more or less specific by including or removing significant digits | Can be made more or less specific by including or removing significant digits |
Standard coordinate system for civilian users | Standard coordinate system for military users |
Provided by all GPS units | Provided by all GPS units |
Example: N 27°15’12" E 120°45’58" | Example: 16SFL456987 |
1. Getting Started
The RMT and/or GIU can provide access to the full range of mapping resources for field missions. In many cases, the best available maps may be in the field. Team members are encour-aged to actively seek maps within the region and explore local sources such as municipal authorities, United Nations agencies, NGOs, and local universities.
If an RMT is activated, it will manage requests for maps before and during deployment. The RMT must coordinate such requests because it will have the most complete inventory of what is available, ensure follow-through, and combine all requests to provide a full understanding of field mapping needs. If an RMT is not activated, the GIU will manage these requests directly.
The GIU provides geographic information support for OFDA/W, field teams, and partners. A member of the GIU is always included on RMTs, and mapping experts can be contacted at all times to respond to field needs. The GIU maintains a significant stock of map resources and interagency agreements to ensure access to all available resources. GIU staff or other mapping specialists can deploy as part of field teams as technical spe-cialists when requested by the field team.
In some cases, maps provided to field teams will have distribution limitations placed on them. These maps, although not classified, should not be provided or shown to non-USG personnel. Maps in this category should be marked clearly with LIMDIS (Limited Distribution) or FOUO (For Official Use Only). In certain situations, these limitations can be relaxed by petitioning the producers of the map and presenting a clear and compelling justification. In all cases, maps produced for, provided to, or purchased by the field team are property of the USG and must be treated as such. All maps should be left with an appropriate partner or returned to OFDA/W for storage and reuse.
2. Map Products
Reference maps, such as tourist maps and topographic maps, are used for navigation or general geographic awareness. Reference maps of many types are available to field teams and can either be acquired directly from local sources or through OFDA/W. Often maps acquired in the field exceed the quality of those available at OFDA/W. Should this occur, consider providing a copy to OFDA/W so that all parties use the same maps.
Thematic maps attempt to illuminate a specific issue or issues related to the humanitarian crisis, affected population, or geographic area, such as situation maps, program activity maps, and natural hazard maps, respectively. These products are often created from information provided by the field teams and are intended to broaden the understanding of the readers to the geographic realities of the situation. OFDA and other organizations produce custom maps displaying aspects of the humanitarian situation that are often posted online or available in field coordination centers. Custom maps can be produced for field teams on request.
Satellite imagery may be available from commercial satellites that can now collect imagery of sufficient detail to produce quick road maps of urban areas, provide initial damage assessments, or monitor displaced persons camps. Imaging satellites can detect features smaller than 1 square meter that can, in certain circumstances, provide a unique and useful perspective on areas of humanitarian interest. As with maps, field teams are encouraged to request imagery when appropriate and potentially useful. Manipulation of the imagery requires specialized training and software. A request for imagery support will typically result in a report, table, or map containing information about the features of interest. Atmospheric (clouds, dust, and haze) and technical constraints can delay or deny the collection of satellite imagery. If possible, urgent needs for overhead analysis, especially in the case of damage assessment, should be managed in-country with aircraft.