Community engagement is at the centre of this spatial data platform

Can we harness the power of technology and community to resolve these challenges? How would such a system shape up?

These are the questions at the heart of the Spatial Data System for the Inclusive Cities Agenda in India project, being implemented by Information Technology for Change (ITfC), AVAS and the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).

The pilot project puts the community at the centre of its activities. Twenty-four youngsters in the community are being trained to use the SPOORTHI platform, a community-led spatial data platform developed by CSTEP, to identify, track and monitor access to basic services in the water, sanitation and health (WSH) sectors. It aims to enhance governance responsiveness to urban poor communities, increase their access to public services, while reducing their political and economic exclusion.