--- title: Geo4Impact 2025 url: "https://www.mapme-initiative.org/geo4impact-2025/" date: 2025-06-23 modified: 2025-06-23 lastUpdated: 2025-06-24 categories: - News --- # Geo4Impact 2025 - **Thank You for Making** ------------------------- **Geo4Impact 2025 a Success!** ------------------------------ **On May 27–28, 2025, the MAPME Initiative hosted Geo4Impact 2025 at AFD Headquarters in Paris and online, convening researchers, practitioners, and development professionals to exchange knowledge and promote reusable open geospatial solutions that address sector-specific challenges, strengthen project design, and improve evaluation and monitoring for greater impact. The event brought together 90 participants in person from 45 organizations, along with more than 100 remote attendees.** Bringing together experts in GIS, Earth Observation, and development cooperation, this year’s event fostered connections among thought leaders, practitioners, researchers, and a broader community committed to advancing open geospatial technologies within their organisations and areas of work. Participants discovered cutting-edge open-source tools, explored practical examples of real-world applications, and shared experiences on how open geospatial data can drive more sustainable and evidence-based development outcomes. This dynamic exchange of ideas and lessons learned continues to build a global community working collaboratively toward more impactful and resilient development solutions. [Access event recordings here](https://afd.keepeek.com/plbOB3RE4dj?o=10469 "Register") ### Engaging Sessions and Presentations ----------------------------------- Over two days, participants explored a diverse range of topics through presentations and interactive discussions that showcased practical applications of open geospatial solutions. Highlights included the use of satellite imagery to monitor environmental changes and support conservation efforts, strategies for integrating geospatial data into project design and policy-making, and examples of how open tools strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Speakers also shared insights on leveraging geospatial technologies for urban planning and sustainable city management, as well as innovative approaches to enhancing agriculture and food security. Together, these sessions provided actionable lessons and inspired participants to apply open geospatial approaches for greater development impact. You will find details about the sessions and links to the presentation materials in the section below. ### Day 1 Sessions: From Tools to Impact Geo4Impact 2025 opened with a dynamic first day centered on practical uses of open geospatial solutions across various development contexts. Participants explored three thematic sessions showcasing field experiences, innovative tools, and lessons learned: ### Session 1: Geospatial Tools and Initiatives for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluating Development Projects **Presentations included:** - [**NaLa Maps: An Open-Source Tool for Using Natural Language and AI to Leverage the Power of Geoinformation in Development Cooperation**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/NaLaMap_Paris.pdf) [— **Johannes Schielein**, Product Owner Data Analytics & Intelligence, KfW Development Bank](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/NaLaMap_Paris.pdf) - [**Geospatial Analysis in Project Sustainability Monitoring and Evaluation: BOAD’s Pilot Experience**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/BOAD_Presentation_Final_Version.pdf) [— **Damit Serge Didier Amany**, Manager, Impact Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/BOAD_Presentation_Final_Version.pdf) - [**Funding Equitable Digital Development: A Call to Action for Development Partners**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Land_Portal.pdf) [— **Charl-Thom Bayer**, Senior Land Information Specialist, Land Portal Foundation](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Land_Portal.pdf) - [**Participatory Mapping and Open Data for Community Resilience**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/MAPME-_Participatory_Mapping_and_Open_Data_for_Community_Resilience.pdf) [— **Maeve de France**, Head of Programs, CartONG](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/MAPME-_Participatory_Mapping_and_Open_Data_for_Community_Resilience.pdf) ### Session 2: Agriculture and Natural Resources **Presentations included:** - [**Mapping the State of Land Degradation in a Context of Climate Change at the Scale of Geographical Areas**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/CISSE_et_al_Mapping_the_State_of_Land_Degradation_Geo4Impact_2025_VF1.pdf) [— **Birane Cisse**, Université Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/CISSE_et_al_Mapping_the_State_of_Land_Degradation_Geo4Impact_2025_VF1.pdf) - [**Earth Observation for Agriculture: From Policy Dialogue to Operationalization**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Chunet-ESA-GEOIMPACT.pdf) [— **Alex Chunet**, Earth Observation Applications Engineer, European Space Agency](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Chunet-ESA-GEOIMPACT.pdf) - [**Beyond the Dashboard: Ensuring Data Drives Real-World Change**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Geo4Impact_Conference_Paris_2025-_Final___1_.pdf) [— **Becky Atkins**, World Resources Institute](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Geo4Impact_Conference_Paris_2025-_Final___1_.pdf) ### Session 3: Geospatial Data and Impact Evaluation **Presentations included:** - [**Urban Mobility in Lagos: Evaluating the Impact of a Large-Scale Transit Reform**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Lagos_Geo4Impact.pdf) [— **Geetika Nagpal**, Research Economist, DIME, World Bank](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Lagos_Geo4Impact.pdf) - [**Leveraging Spatial Data for Research and Policy Dialogue: The Case of Nature Conservation Evaluation in Madagascar**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentation_BETSAKA_Geo4Impact_-_envoi_20250526.pdf) [— **Holimalala Randriamanampisoa**, Researcher, University of Antananarivo, CERED (UMI SOURCE)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentation_BETSAKA_Geo4Impact_-_envoi_20250526.pdf) [— **Florent Bédécarrats**, Researcher, IRD (UMI SOURCE)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentation_BETSAKA_Geo4Impact_-_envoi_20250526.pdf) - [**Evaluating Well-being Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Spatial Perspective Across Territorial Typologies**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Wellbeing_dynamics_in_SSA_GEO_AFD_27_May_2025.pdf) [— **Luis Guillermo Becerra-Valbuena**, Spatial Economist, FAO](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Wellbeing_dynamics_in_SSA_GEO_AFD_27_May_2025.pdf) ### Session 1: Exploring Methodological and Applied Advances **Presentations included:** - [**Earth Observation, Causal Inference & Counterfactuals**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/2_-_Earth_Observation__Causal_Inference__Counterfactuals__Anthony_D_Agostino__9h30-10h.pdf) [— **Anthony D’Agostino**, Research Economist, International Unit of Mathematica](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/2_-_Earth_Observation__Causal_Inference__Counterfactuals__Anthony_D_Agostino__9h30-10h.pdf) - [**Typhoons & Economic Activity in Vietnam**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/3_-_Economic_impact_of_typhoons__Kenneth_H__10h-10h30.pdf) [— **Kenneth Houngbedji**, Researcher, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/3_-_Economic_impact_of_typhoons__Kenneth_H__10h-10h30.pdf) - [**IoT & Dust Sensors in Impact Studies**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/4_-_Iot___Dust_Sensors__Rahul_Garg__10h30-11h.pdf) [— **Rahul Garg**, Researcher, Indian Institute of Technology](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/4_-_Iot___Dust_Sensors__Rahul_Garg__10h30-11h.pdf) ### Session 2: Critical Reflections and New Directions from Recent Studies **Presentations included:** - [**Artificial Intelligence & Geospatial Impact Evaluation**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/6_-_Artificial_Intelligence___Geospatial_ImpactEvaluation__Ziulu__11h30-12h.pdf) [— **Virginia Ziulu**, Data Scientist, Independent Evaluation Group, World Bank](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/6_-_Artificial_Intelligence___Geospatial_ImpactEvaluation__Ziulu__11h30-12h.pdf) - [**Multi-Source Data for Irrigation Evaluation in Mali**](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/7_-_Multi-Source_Data_for_Irrigation_Evaluation_in_Mali__Ariel_BenYishay__12h-12h30.pdf) [— **Ariel Ben Yishay**, Chief Economist, AidData, William & Mary University](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025/Presentations_geo4Impact_2025_Day_2/7_-_Multi-Source_Data_for_Irrigation_Evaluation_in_Mali__Ariel_BenYishay__12h-12h30.pdf) Day 2 Sessions: Charting the Future of Geospatial Impact Evaluation ------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 2 focused on an in-depth exploration of selected chapters from the forthcoming **Geospatial Impact Evaluation in Practice** textbook. The sessions highlighted innovative, cost-effective, and scalable geospatial evaluation techniques through real-world case studies, while encouraging collaborative discussions to refine the content and address emerging needs in the field. Poster Gallery -------------- Showcasing Diverse Applications of Open Geospatial Solutions ------------------------------------------------------------ Geo4Impact 2025 featured a rich poster exhibition, highlighting cutting-edge research and practical applications of open geospatial tools across a wide range of development challenges. Participants explored how geospatial data and technologies are being leveraged to improve infrastructure planning, tackle social inequalities, monitor biodiversity, and develop innovative, reusable tools for the broader community. ***To explore a poster, click on its title.*** The posters spanned four thematic clusters: **Infrastructure and Urban Planning** - [**The Impact of Ethiopia’s Road Investment Program on Economic Development and Land Use: Evidence from Satellite Data** — **Geetika Nagpal** (DIME, World Bank)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Impact_of_Ethiopia_s_Road_Investment_Program__Geetika_Nagpal.pdf) - [**Mapping Interconnectedness: An Introduction to the City-Regions Explorer Platform** — **Andrea Cattaneo** (FAO)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/City-Region_Explorer_Andrea_Cattaneo.pdf) - [**High-Resolution Tracking of Building Heights** — **Tim Ferber** (Paris School of Economics)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/High-Resolution_Tracking_Tim_Ferber.pdf) - [**Designing Air Quality Measurement Systems in Data-Scarce Settings** — **Geetika Nagpal** (DIME, World Bank)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Air_Quality_Geetika_Nagpal.pdf) **Social Inequality and Development** - **MPI+: Multidimensional Poverty Index to Fight Poverty and Strengthen Livelihoods in Urban Settlements — Pilot Study in Two Brazilian Favelas** — **Natalie Grover** (Data-Pop Alliance) - **Mapping the Risk of Child Labour from Space with Geospatial Foundation Models and Socio-Economic Datasets** — **Alberto Roman** (Masae Analytics) - [**Reach the Unreached Initiative: Digital Technologies to Map Zero-Dose and Unreached Children in West and Central Africa** — **Attila Lazar** (University of Southampton)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Reach_the_Unreached_Attila_Lazar.pdf) - **Augmenting Survey Data with Information from Space: The Case of Semi-Arid Morocco** — **Leonard Krapf** (Georg-August Universität Göttingen) **Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation of Natural Resources** - [**WatchMyTRee: Using AI and Satellite Data to Monitor Biomass in West African Forests and Mangroves** — **Gabriel Fonlladosa** (data354)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/WatchMyTRee_Monitoring_Forest_Carbon_with_AI.png) - [**Evaluating the Contribution of Protected Areas in Achieving Global Sustainability Goals** — **Sofiia Klimovich** (Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Protected_Areas_in_achieving_Global_Goals_Sofiia_Klimovich.pdf) - [**Monitoring Biodiversity Impact in the Fragile Himalayan Ecosystem** — **Michael Anthony** (vertify.earth)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Vertify___Alsisar_Poster__1_.pdf) - **Earth Observation in Development Cooperation** — **Michael Thiel** (Earth Observation Research Cluster, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg) **Other Applications of Open Geospatial Technologies** - [**Enhancing Geospatial Data Management for International Development: Open Project Location and Protected Areas Models** — **Gabriel Frey** (KfW)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Open_Project_Location_and_Protected_Areas_Models_Gabriel_Frey.pdf) - [**Mastering Geospatial Monitoring and Evaluation: A Practical Course for Evaluators** — **Olivier Mundy** (thriveGEO)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Geospatial_Monitoring_and_Evaluation_Course_Olivier_Mundy.pdf) - [**Leveraging Remote Sensing: Guide of Key Indicators and Use Cases** — **Anca Dumitrescu** (3ie)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Remote_Sensing_Guide_Key_Indicators_and_Use_Cases_Anca_Dumitrescu.pdf) - [**To What Extent Can Open Geospatial Resources Help Us Overcome Lack of GPS Data?** — **Geetika Nagpal** (DIME, World Bank)](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/fileadmin/Dateien/Poster_Geo4Impact_2025/Overcome_Lack_of_GPS_Data_Geetika_Nagpal.pdf) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/-WG6vew2JOR55bi2BrHeaLYLO8I1b6KpevVq1fpnD8Q/q:85/c:6000:2962.0253164557:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:790/h:390/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwMzkyXzAzOTE0ZDdkZDc:t/cb:b6be4daeb499df89c91859107485a1f7c4be877f/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9mb3JtXzRkM2Q0ZDM5NmZlNWJiYjdhM2FjOGIxMjg3MDQ0M2RhNTA2NDJiZGYvRFNDMDAzOTIuSlBH) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/Kc6i334qxO-MkEvl0HGQ0gbwErCnUuTA2ZQ_6qa7OlM/q:85/w:1920/h:1280/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwMzkyX2ZiZGUyMjNmYWY:t/cb:b6be4daeb499df89c91859107485a1f7c4be877f/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9mb3JtXzRkM2Q0ZDM5NmZlNWJiYjdhM2FjOGIxMjg3MDQ0M2RhNTA2NDJiZGYvRFNDMDAzOTIuSlBH) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/aaLn07j8Y5Or6R8vCJBy4cQmpEqlMgos-tuG4msUOuw/q:85/c:6000:2962.0253164557:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:790/h:390/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwMzk1XzI0NDNiYjZiZDc:t/cb:0a6b44a9be2a4a85508747d9eaa66623023c4e43/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9mb3JtXzRkM2Q0ZDM5NmZlNWJiYjdhM2FjOGIxMjg3MDQ0M2RhNTA2NDJiZGYvRFNDMDAzOTUuSlBH) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/tKAwi6VlZ-itivppPB50JKMaK78wLie2aP17SXfAZfI/q:85/w:1920/h:1280/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwMzk1XzdlMzBmYWI4N2E:t/cb:0a6b44a9be2a4a85508747d9eaa66623023c4e43/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9mb3JtXzRkM2Q0ZDM5NmZlNWJiYjdhM2FjOGIxMjg3MDQ0M2RhNTA2NDJiZGYvRFNDMDAzOTUuSlBH) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/pe9oZtt_WzVm6QyjFDrhOOiEGdOEQSsgTd9ZuQ-OoI4/q:85/c:6000:2962.0253164557:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:790/h:390/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwNDAxXzgzMWEyMDZmMTc:t/cb:3577fc6338e4dcd72ac4c4345b7a812b5e0060a2/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0MwMDQwMS5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/2XTdAv6KkIaMffEd_sb1HHEBJg1xuNc2VV4CZ69Di08/q:85/w:1920/h:1280/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwNDAxX2U1Y2MxNDA0OGY:t/cb:3577fc6338e4dcd72ac4c4345b7a812b5e0060a2/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0MwMDQwMS5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/Vm9sVUhoYQyIqMcIyy4Ys6f3lxYICNV3BdPw9GVYwA8/q:85/c:6000:2962.0253164557:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:790/h:390/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwMzk5XzkxNmI0ZjYyMWM:t/cb:1359ad7ef609085c4e096618c0d5a920b113e081/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0MwMDM5OS5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/jSjMGBqkfbYxbNb0brCBm84zgOi8vid1w5G3N7-qLcY/q:85/w:1920/h:1280/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwMzk5XzM2MzBmZDdhZGY:t/cb:1359ad7ef609085c4e096618c0d5a920b113e081/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0MwMDM5OS5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/DwdNJL5wcPMExX_mLN4Gy_JvnXgVH3yG7LF5IH6jUWI/q:85/c:3815.0886075949:7728:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:390/h:790/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzQwX2QyM2EyN2Q5YTI:t/cb:006f64f3855c8112d7b78dad2c3e4ab2a2daaddd/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM0MC5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/iRsulDzTa1aHsqPvBkjnLpYTG6Og9s9e4lvZvGxcPbM/q:85/w:1920/h:2880/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzQwXzNkYjQ3N2NkZjg:t/cb:006f64f3855c8112d7b78dad2c3e4ab2a2daaddd/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM0MC5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/CBa8t3qJ5OpK1lWuBet02f4tte9eDFD2HGfvMHAZZ-4/q:85/c:7728:3815.0886075949:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:790/h:390/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzczXzAyMjY0MmYyN2U:t/cb:3e50ca7a4ddf56ceb5950ba7dabd4926f97848e9/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM3My5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/dUIjIKfo7R_mtSqJg5vw6ONKQyfhDXjhndDNMJHI07g/q:85/w:1920/h:1280/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzczX2QzZDdjZGM4OTE:t/cb:3e50ca7a4ddf56ceb5950ba7dabd4926f97848e9/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM3My5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/vtyzVU5_5Z_8MEOmU_Rlz2eeZtxTjyo4rrij1COkZKc/q:85/c:3815.0886075949:7728:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:390/h:790/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzQ0X2U1OTIwODY1OWI:t/cb:79cc093722c5bf2693939f5a55ad8d398b93ef00/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM0NC5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/ZdybZ2Rdf1mEd1rW7tKoSgcS5dUWWCqqRHMLs9TbsKk/q:85/w:1920/h:2880/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzQ0X2QzOWUwNzY2ZDM:t/cb:79cc093722c5bf2693939f5a55ad8d398b93ef00/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM0NC5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/8ZT-8JExgj0rIehDSobechpbNaa0TIcOcxj-15DyD7Y/q:85/c:3815.0886075949:7728:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:390/h:790/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzY5XzJkYjhiODJiZjg:t/cb:448b8c92e7a8bf74df4982f85154a37f42b5808c/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM2OS5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/7GpOtlYTMvV1cZzNBd6Ruyg9i4rmhA90LbvZLI_1ny8/q:85/w:1920/h:2880/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzY5X2Q4ZTQwZmMxMDI:t/cb:448b8c92e7a8bf74df4982f85154a37f42b5808c/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM2OS5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/-ngimxVBdeeDhRx8xCjbl081411MKvzmEJRfh48OEng/q:85/c:3815.0886075949:7728:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:390/h:790/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzQ3XzgzZWEwNjFlZTI:t/cb:de83044255ad787e9340b83fb99e212ad97c9560/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM0Ny5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/UKURdcea4fhDo5-GU_1j-Pi_I6kcS_6IWO3QJxmpEDY/q:85/w:1920/h:2880/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzQ3XzNlM2RiMGEwZmU:t/cb:de83044255ad787e9340b83fb99e212ad97c9560/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM0Ny5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/sXmrI7uRTZmRvhlibOpRibRxc6M6ysIic7efRyeVkU4/q:85/c:6000:2962.0253164557:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:790/h:390/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzgyX2YwMTg5MDAyMjY:t/cb:fcdbefa8cd986123dfbdcb4e540654b2691c5461/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM4Mi5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/UzDULv1XwhbSQgRUdrt3txCMVthiFzmiu3EJVXXcoLE/q:85/w:1920/h:1280/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzgyXzBlYTE4NjVjZTc:t/cb:fcdbefa8cd986123dfbdcb4e540654b2691c5461/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM4Mi5KUEc) [ ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/Vzc3YKTc1k_OPvwf6iNu9zYIWPHEjmYPGyeDUSTJdyA/q:85/c:7728:3815.0886075949:fp:0.5:0.5/rt:force/rt:fill/w:790/h:390/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzg4X2NhZTNiOTA5M2Y:t/cb:c45d250933d589500460fd1ce24ddb1036c13249/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM4OC5KUEc) ](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/kEbtJcaXdexSBOqvVOYo-iw8WeMz2MMWiVJ90iUl4kE/q:85/w:1920/h:1280/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxMzg4XzY1NTc5Zjg5MjI:t/cb:c45d250933d589500460fd1ce24ddb1036c13249/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTM4OC5KUEc) ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/g6CozIetbtn1-Xh0mZAFdM-M7T5xtli1_71-4PSuiOc/q:85/w:540/h:360/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxNDQ1X2Y0ZDdlM2ZjYjk:t/cb:0b53427376e5552229de078f15cecba287b5239d/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTQ0NS5KUEc) ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/1MSsrIGNQSpobcQfGJm4dk_4GvhDngjyxrKF774irQ8/q:85/w:540/h:360/fn:Y3NtX0RTQ0YxNTE2X2ViMzE4YTFmOWI:t/cb:5c09a9287d3cc7f9630fdbbc35c1a0fe75b1e948/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0NGMTUxNi5KUEc) ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/9EeYk5M7KIfK_d8SfRmUQ57s4Sl79QtbVx1n8FFZsfE/q:85/w:540/h:360/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwNDYyX2IwZTg3NmQzMWU:t/cb:5e80af2c78778d16a4d72c53bbd3dc279bb132d4/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0MwMDQ2Mi5KUEc) ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/ufCeQlCdXWLereoEI6KBD6cCcplFJ3vRJij2qiRxakE/q:85/w:540/h:360/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwNDUzXzE3ODk0ZTVhZGM:t/cb:8757a430b1994342ac8da2e0b6243b983ea1626f/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0MwMDQ1My5KUEc) ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/TS2lqStCy8n2uDs8m_XMFEgs9Wh1rFKFeT67HB_pB9Y/q:85/w:540/h:360/fn:Y3NtX0RTQzAwNDUwX2ExODhhZDM4ZjI:t/cb:9316e201a5ad6d3a5f3451b528751e550c230810/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9EU0MwMDQ1MC5KUEc) ```   ``` ### Panel Discussion: Transforming Development Projects and Policies with Open Geospatial Data and Tools — From Design to Evaluation A standout moment of Geo4Impact 2025 was the expert panel **“Transforming Development Projects and Policies with Open Geospatial Data and Tools: From Design to Evaluation.”** Moderated by **Jean-Claude Pires**, Director of the Evaluation and Learning Department at AFD **(TBC)**, the discussion brought together leading voices from research, implementation, and civil society. **Panelists included:** - **Fred Stolle**, Director, Impact Land & Carbon Lab, World Resources Institute - **Awa Niang Fall**, Director, EDEQUE — Université Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar - **Antje Hecheltjen**, Project Manager, Geodata for Development, GIZ / GEO-LDN - **Helga Kuechly**, Senior Advisor, Conservation Geodata & Technology, WWF - **Franck Akouete**, Program Officer, OSM Togo Together, they explored actionable strategies for scaling up open geospatial solutions to inform project design, guide policy decisions, and drive meaningful change on the ground. The panel highlighted the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration, open data ecosystems, and capacity building to bridge local and global efforts. Key insights emphasized that technical innovation must go hand in hand with community engagement and policy alignment to ensure that open geospatial tools deliver real impact — from planning and monitoring to evaluation and adaptive learning. ```   ``` Thank You for Joining Us! ------------------------- We extend our sincere thanks to all presenters, poster authors, panelists, and participants whose contributions made **Geo4Impact 2025** a success. Together, we continue to strengthen the role of open geospatial solutions in building sustainable, equitable, and data-driven development. Stay connected with the MAPME community, explore the shared resources, and join us at future events! ![](https://www.mapme-initiative.org/_assets/processed/4lTt65ln6DwhdOq09q3N8P4mu_44o1lMgwRysLAZSCM/q:85/w:592/h:267/fn:Y3NtX2dlbzRpbXBhY3RfZ3JvdXBfbG93cV9fMV9fNjUwOWU4NzZjZA:t/cb:d59d2ae941bed4ef877dfff254d933b8ad25ace3/bG9jYWw6L2ZpbGVhZG1pbi91c2VyX3VwbG9hZC9nZW80aW1wYWN0X2dyb3VwX2xvd3FfXzFfLnBuZw)