Security Incident Mapping

One of the challenges of NGO security, especially in places where there may be a large number of incidents occurring, is getting a big picture view of what’s happening. Check out this just released OCHA-prepared map of security incidents that took place in Nepal in December, 2005. It gives you a general sense of what’s happening in the country as well as basic details regarding the incidents. Pretty slick.

Visually representing data is a powerful tool and can better help explain the current security environment to management and other decision makers. Keep in mind that you don’t need to have a professional artist, cartographer or GIS person on staff like OCHA to produce incident maps. A simple dry erase whiteboard with a map outline and using colored markers for different incidents works just fine. (Hint: If you’re using a whiteboard to track monthly incidents, use a digital camera to take a picture of the map before you erase the incidents at the end of the month. This lets you keep a handy archive of past incident maps.)