milan patel geographic information tools- possibilities and challenges

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

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