65 - GeoQuery: An Open Access Platform for Geospatial Data

Abstract Information: The availability of geospatial data provides evaluators with additional sources of information that can complement traditional evaluation methods. However, the skills required to aggregate geospatial data to geographic boundaries that are conducive to the work evaluators are undertaking can be quite high. During this discussion, we will explore the use of GeoQuery, an open access platform for geospatial data that lowers the barriers to utilizing this type of data. The platform allows users to select administrative boundaries for areas of interest along with corresponding geospatial indicators. This data is then aggregated into a single, simple-to-use file compatible with Microsoft Excel and other common software. GeoQuery contains economic, health, aid, conflict, and environmental, and other spatial datasets. Participants will learn how to use the GeoQuery platform and understand the ways in which this type of data can complement existing evaluation methods.