Improving the collection, governance and use of spatial data for infrastructure in Africa

Abstract

Current project experience in Africa points to spatial data as a key area for improvement across the continent. This paper focuses on practical implementation of spatial data governance on infrastructure projects in Africa, using examples from ongoing projects in Kenya and Malawi, where challenges have been met and solutions found. The experience gained on these projects provides an insight into three key goals to make data work for projects: maximise value from the data available, preserve that value for future users and identify data gaps, both for work now and work in the future.