Filling in data gaps in informal settlements

In this video, Vitor Pessoa Colombo describes Participatory Geographic Information Systems and their importance for gathering geographic data on informal settlements.

Geographic information is critical for urban planning. Updated and high-quality data on all parts of a city helps planners address urban health inequities. Planners can then make decisions on an intra-urban level in order to reach targeted population groups, assess social and environmental impacts, and optimise resources. However, such information is very often missing or incomplete in the case of informal settlements.

Vitor Pessoa Colombo introduces Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PGIS) that can be employed to fill in the critical data and knowledge gaps regarding informal settlements. This in turn helps communities which often remain invisible to local administrations, as it gives them a voice and allows for more inclusive urban planning.