Integration of Different Data Bodies for Humanitarian Decision Support: An Example from Mine Action

摘要: Geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly used for integrating data from different sources and substantive areas, including in humanitarian action. The challenges of integration particularly well illustrated by mine informational requirements action expensive, with socio-economic impact surveys costing over US$1.5 million per country, feeding a continuous debate on the merits considering more factors or 'keeping it simple'. National census offices could, theory, contribute relevant data, but practice have rarely overcome institutional obstacles to external acquisition. A positive exception occurred Lebanon, where landmine survey had access agricultural data. challenges, costs benefits this exercise analysed detailed case study. considerable, so costs, hidden ones. Lebanon experience prompts some wider reflections. In community, has been fostered not only diffusion GIS technology, also changes such as creation UN-led Humanitarian Information Centres. There is question whether analytic capacity step aggressive may yet build kind strong tradition that public health poverty alleviation accomplished.