Geo Visualizer
Using Geo Visualizer to open and explore spatial data from Rundu, Namibia
Map Preview
Geo visualizer is a tool that enables anyone without GIS software or expertise to open and explore geospatial data files such as GeoJSON, Shapefile, csv. In our experience working with different stakeholders, there is a considerable digital divide, where urban planners in under-resourced local authorities do not have access to a server and/or software to even open and explore their own spatial data. This creates a bottleneck to our collaboration with different stakeholders. To mitigate this, we have developed this tool to function without a server and not be constrained by fixed data table structures, enabling faster time to insight and analysis.
The workflow is completely offline. Users can start using the tool by simply double clicking the html file. This will open the tool in their browser, and then the user can click upload, and select their geospatial files to visualize the data on a map as well as get a sense of data distribution of various attributes and metadata. We have also adapted the tool to support explorations of surveys data to easily obtain insights about the data in support of informal settlements upgrading The tool deploys simple web technologies.
Want to use the tool in your region?
Contact unitac@un.org for more information about how to use the tool in your region.
Stakeholders viewing spatial data from Rundu during a workshop
Partners
Partners
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
- Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD) Namibia
Impact
The Geo Visualizer
- Removes the barrier of entry for working with geospatial data, making the tool useful for people with limited technical background.
- Helps users see the benefits of collecting location information.
- Supports analysis at different stages of data management. For instance, during data collection, it can highlight progress or any challenges with data that should be fixed as the data collection progresses.
- Support in the enumeration phase of neighbourhood planning.
Scalability
Scalability
Geo Visualizer has been used by the UNITAC team in several projects and prototypes especially in Namibia to work with different stakeholders such as GIZ, NHAG and the town council staff of different partner towns in Namibia. As the tool is not based on a fixed data table structure, it can easily be scaled to support several projects and activities.