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45. GeoSight: Geospatial Risk Analysis and Visualization

GeoSight is an open-source geospatial visualization and data analysis platform developed by UNICEF. It aims to support decision-making by providing both experts and non-experts with easy access to powerful tools for understanding and analyzing data. These include deprivation indicators, exposure to hazards at subnational levels, and early warnings.

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GeoSight is linked to an administrative boundary management system called GeoRepo. GeoRepo enables users to reconcile differences and track changes in administrative areas over time while maintaining an up-to-date global dataset of administrative boundaries, at least down to the second administrative level. In GeoSight, GeoRepo ensures compatibility between all indicators, facilitating seamless analysis.

45.0.1 Key Features

  • Indicators – Datasets assigned to administrative boundaries, visualized using flexible pre-set color rules.
  • Context Layers – Geospatial data that is not constrained by administrative boundaries, including point or raster layers.
  • Widgets – Summary graphs or figures that highlight key aspects of an indicator dataset.
  • Trend Analysis – Visualizes changes in indicators over time.
  • Filters – Tools to isolate and display administrative areas based on defined thresholds.
  • Analysis Tools – Advanced tools, such as 3D display and compare layers, that help users explore data relationships.
  • Batch Management Tools – Enables classification and formatting of multiple indicators simultaneously.
  • Access Controls – Provides granular control over data visibility, down to individual users and datasets.
  • Interoperability – Supports data ingestion from other systems and enables seamless data sharing.
  • Low Costs – As open-source software, GeoSight incurs zero licensing fees.

45.0.2 Communicating with External Platforms and Information Sharing

GeoSight integrates with external platforms through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which act as gateways for seamless data exchange.

  • Incorporating External Data – Users can connect external datasets to GeoSight, either as context layers (e.g., a natural hazard early warning system) or as indicators, provided they align with appropriate administrative boundaries.
  • Sharing Data – GeoSight features its own API, allowing it to share data with other geospatial platforms. Users can also easily download all indicators in widely used formats such as Excel.
  • Interoperability – A key design principle of GeoSight, ensuring smooth data integration and exchange across multiple systems.

45.0.3 GeoSight and the CCRI-DRM

GeoSight enables users to analyse and visualise Child Climate Risk Index – Disaster Risk Model (CCRI-DRM) indicators and scores through an interactive online dashboard while providing access to all of GeoSight’s advanced features.

With subnational analysis, users can examine sectoral deprivations and hazard exposure, as well as their combined impact, to identify high-risk areas within a country. Additionally, GeoSight can integrate real-time data, such as cyclone or flood warnings and recent conflict events, to help users assess how current or near-future conditions intersect with vulnerability.

These analytical capabilities, combined with tools like filters, help users understand situational context and target areas of concern to support children, families, and communities through risk-informed, resilient programming and emergency preparedness. By clearly identifying risks and their causes, GeoSight ensures that no one is left behind.

On GeoSight, the CCRI-DRM enables cross-sector collaboration, allowing partners with different roles to share a common risk assessment framework and coordinate strategic planning. It also supports advocacy, partnership building, and resource mobilisation.

45.0.4 Four Ways to Use GeoSight and CCRI-DRM Data

GeoSight’s interoperability allows UNICEF country teams and partners to engage in information sharing through four key methods:

  1. UNICEF GeoSight Dashboard Instance

  2. A country-specific dashboard, hosted on UNICEF servers, with full access to all features.

  3. External GeoSight Dashboard Instance

  4. As an open-source platform, anyone can install and customise a GeoSight instance on local servers at no cost.

  5. Data Sharing with External Platforms

  6. GeoSight can send data via API to other mapping platforms already in use.

  7. Embedding GeoSight Data

  8. Users can copy and paste a URL to embed GeoSight visualisations in any website.