Milan Patel Geographic Information Tools- Possibilities and Challenges
Objective & Outcomes Understand how geographic information can practically be applied in operational processes Understand the challenges of using such information (and how we might overcome those challenges)
Discussion: possible uses for geographic data? New branch analysis & branch zonification Route planning for loan officers Determine outreach (urban vs rural) Get to know our clients!
The basics—visualize our branch network
Leading on to clearer branch zonification
And more sensible route planning for loan officers
Mapped statistical data
Operationalising mapping data
Mapping our clients
Business count
Challenges to mapping: bad MIS data, difficult data
Characteristics of potential clients, mapped
Mapping from external sources:GPW
Challenges to mapping: Lack of quality digitized data for the region
Challenges to mapping: Scale
Lessons from this experience Tools exist to map data easily (no need for complicated GIS to create valuable maps) The big challenge is DATA, DATA, DATA Without good data, no mapping will be possible MIS data requires significant improvement Database structure & interface Data itself Required improvements may take time to implement
Steps to managing geographic information Prototype client maps Prototype national statistical heatmap Prototype mass query of Google system 1 complete FINCA subsidiary branch map Completed Location data cleanse for 1 country, recommendations Gathering primary source geographic information Villages, roads, administrative boundaries Statistical heatmaps for core national indicators In progress Location data cleanse for all countries Implementation of MIS recommendations Adding missing geographic data into Google Maps (?) Collaboration with CIESIN Future development
What we need from you Locations of branches in GPS coordinate form Assistance with gathering primary source data (maps, digitized geographic information about villages, roads, administrative boundaries) Ideas for mapping