Case Study - Building a GIS for Humanitarian Mine Action

Client

The Danish Demining Group (DDG), the Humanitarian Mine Action Unit of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), operates in some of the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected regions. DDG focuses on addressing landmines, Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), and the widespread use of small arms and light weapons. By working in regions where DRC already has a presence, DDG integrates mine action and armed violence reduction with emergency interventions and long-term development programs.

Opportunity

In Yemen, a key area of operation, DDG sought a robust Geographic Information System (GIS) and database solution to standardize mine action activities, including mine risk education and non-technical surveys, in alignment with International and Yemen Mine Action Standards. This included revising and creating forms to meet national standards, linking data to a user-friendly GIS, and building staff capacity to operate and maintain the system. Additionally, the system needed to align with national tools and gain coherence with existing frameworks used by mine action authorities and partners like UNDP.

Approach

Our work began with defining user requirements and digitizing field collection forms. We developed a hosted online mapping application and a database tailored to DDG’s needs, ensuring seamless integration with tools like Kobo Toolbox. Training materials and workshops equipped DDG staff with the skills to manage and update the system independently. A detailed maintenance report was prepared to support long-term usability, and follow-up sessions ensured the system met evolving operational demands.

Outcomes

The project delivered:

• A digitized system that transformed mine action data management
• Standardized collection forms were digitized
• Integration with Kobo Toolbox for real-time updates
• A custom data import and visualization tool was developed, displaying points of interest on an interactive map, including choropleth maps based on administrative boundaries.

This comprehensive GIS solution empowered DDG Yemen to manage mine action activities with greater precision, efficiency, and alignment with national standards.

Technologies used