Introduction:
Good urban policy and planning requires accurate
information on the situation of citizens both rich and poor within
urban areas. Modern information technology has enhanced data processing
and provides for advanced Decision Support Systems, such as Geographical
Information System (GIS). However, the biggest challenge is to
maintain and continuously update databases as well as feed vital
information
for decision-making processes in our cities. The 1000 cities Programme
helps cities in developing countries to better manage information
in order to meet the needs of different urban actors like local
authorities, community, organizations working especially for poor
communities.
Why GIS tools?
Geographic information system (GIS) software uses
geography and computer-generated maps as an interface for integrating
and accessing massive amounts of location-based information. Information
on the spatial dimension of many urban indicators is expected
to provide policy and decision makers with a better picture of the
magnitude of issues before hand. Indicators on poverty, environmental
degradation, lack of urban services, degeneration of existing
infrastructure,
and lack of access to land and adequate shelter have a spatial
dimension. Given the ability of GIS to combine both spatial and
socio-economic
data more meaningful information can be generated. Outputs from
GIS analysis inform the decision-maker where and what to extend
the problem lies. An example would be areas within a city without
sufficient coverage by the sewerage system or areas experiencing
flooding problems during rainy season.
The 1000 Cities Project: UN-Habitat and ESRI signed a Memorandum
of Understanding early 2003, to distribute 1000 software copies
to applicants from developing countries. The Global Urban Observatory
of the UN-Habitat is committed to improve the capacity of cities
and countries at large to manage data sources with the aim of using
it for policy design and monitoring specifically the Habitat agenda
and lately the Millennium Development Goals. Experience has shown
that most cities within developing countries lack accurate and up
to date spatial data.
Expected Results:
Better information leads to better decisions.
By providing decision-makers with reliable and accurate information
this Programme will enable city managers to prioritize issues
and channel attention to the most neglected areas within urban
areas.
This effort is expected to compliment other initiatives within
cities that aim at improving city planning, governance and promoting
environmental
management. Experiences from successful applicants in GIS application
will be shared with others also willing to implement the project.
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