projects

CoordiMap: Better coordinated shelter responses following crises

Ongoing
A man gestures toward a screen showing a map while other meeting attendees look on
Programme
UNHCR Innovation Incubator
Fund
Data Innovation Fund | Incubator
Start Date
Total Project Cost
USD 132,990
Country
El Salvador , Syrian Arab Republic (the) , Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Project Team
Cross-country team: UNHCR Syria, UNHCR El Salvador, UNHCR DR Congo

Challenge

In the early stages of a crisis, response teams face challenges in accessing timely, coordinated, and household-level data. The rapid onset of emergencies, fragmented data sources, limited access due to insecurity, and a lack of technical capacity hinder effective planning, coordination, and advocacy. This results in misinformed prioritization, gaps in coverage, and reduced potential for linking emergency shelter interventions with long-term solutions.

Solution

CoordiMap leverages AI-powered satellite imagery analysis to rapidly generate geotagged building footprints and damage assessments. This creates a digital twin of crisis-affected areas to support early decision-making, coordination, and advocacy. Verified by ground teams, the central geospatial database facilitates evidence-based planning across the shelter response lifecycle while enabling multisectoral integration.

Impact

An online toolset will enable global accessibility, featuring machine learning models, digitized maps, and assessment tools with multi-user access. This innovation will enhance coordination, improve targeting, support sustainability, and provide a replicable model for shelter and multisectoral responses globally.