MapAction's operational capability is made possible by the integration of several geospatial and communications technologies. Here is a schematic diagram showing how these technologies fit together in our operations.

Geographical information systems (GIS) lie at the heart of our work in the field. But they are only part of the solution.

We also depend on several satellite-based technologies for surveying (GPS), remote sensing (satellite imagery) and communications.

Although not shown on the diagram, the most important component of our system is of course our carefully trained volunteer team who makes it work, both in the field and at our 'home' bases that support them. 

More about the technologies we use

We're often asked about all the technical components, so here is some more on that.

GIS. We run ESRI ArcGIS software on a network of laptop computers. If we have the luxury of an office to work from in the field, we will link to other IT resources. But we retain the ability to run our field base out of a tent, with a portable generator.

Field data collection. Our field survey work depends on rugged, dependable GPS receivers. We use the latest Garmin 60Cx units. They have high-performance antennas that mean the GPS can be used under trees and among buildings, and they can store a lot of collected data. We have experimented with hand-held PDA-type devices for data collection but we also like the flexibility that paper-and-pencil delivers! 

Map printing. We normally take a lightweight Hewlett Packard A3-format inkjet printer into the field. It gets a lot of use and we get through a lot of ink cartridges! In very hot and humid climates we have to keep the paper wrapped up until the last moment. 

Satellite remote sensing data. Our partner organisations in the space industry provide archived satellite images that often form base maps for our missions. In some circumstances they are also able to provide high-resolution post-disaster images or other analysed data such as flood extent polygons. An important mechanism for accessing satellite image-base mapping is through MapAction's membership of the RESPOND alliance (www.respond-int.org).  

Communications systems. We deploy with our own VHF radio equipment and satellite phones using both the Thuraya and Iridium networks. Vital to our work is portable satellite data communications technology: we have BGAN systems (we use the Explorer 500 and 700 mobile units) that enable us to upload our maps to the internet from the disaster zone.