From Data to Decision: Scaling iGIS for Evidence-Based Development in Vietnam
Conference | Online
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Organized by:
International Development Enterprises (iDE)
About the Event
While Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems traditionally focus on tracking changes over time, they often miss the crucial where — the spatial dimension of development work. To address this gap, iDE Vietnam piloted the Integrated Geographic Information System (iGIS), embedding GIS directly into M&E processes.
The iGIS pilot experience, carried out through projects, demonstrated how spatial analysis strengthens project outcomes. Activities included mapping informal waste actors, identifying plastic leakage hotspots, building geospatial datasets for agriculture supply chains, and integrating GIS-based indicators into performance tracking. All of this was achieved using accessible tools like QGIS as well as ArcGIS and GPS-enabled mobile data collection.
Key results showed that iGIS significantly increased the efficiency of targeting and resource allocation, improved stakeholder engagement through clear and dynamic maps, strengthened the evidence base for project evaluation and reporting, and lowered operational costs by relying on open-source technologies. These outcomes proved that integrating spatial data into decision-making can lead to smarter, more impactful project implementation.
However, scaling iGIS also revealed important lessons: technical capacity-building among non-GIS staff was critical; rigorous, continuous data validation was necessary but resource-intensive; and sustaining the iGIS system requires ongoing investment in training, updates, and organizational buy-in.
Looking ahead, iDE Vietnam is scaling iGIS by expanding its application to WASH, agriculture, and environmental management projects. Cross-project knowledge-sharing is being fostered, and sustainable GIS capacity is being built across teams. Furthermore, iGIS methodologies are now embedded into new project proposals, strengthening evidence-based development planning and unlocking new funding opportunities.
This session will share practical steps, challenges, and lessons learned for organizations seeking to integrate spatial thinking into their M&E systems — showing how moving from data to decision can drive smarter, more resilient development outcomes
The iGIS pilot experience, carried out through projects, demonstrated how spatial analysis strengthens project outcomes. Activities included mapping informal waste actors, identifying plastic leakage hotspots, building geospatial datasets for agriculture supply chains, and integrating GIS-based indicators into performance tracking. All of this was achieved using accessible tools like QGIS as well as ArcGIS and GPS-enabled mobile data collection.
Key results showed that iGIS significantly increased the efficiency of targeting and resource allocation, improved stakeholder engagement through clear and dynamic maps, strengthened the evidence base for project evaluation and reporting, and lowered operational costs by relying on open-source technologies. These outcomes proved that integrating spatial data into decision-making can lead to smarter, more impactful project implementation.
However, scaling iGIS also revealed important lessons: technical capacity-building among non-GIS staff was critical; rigorous, continuous data validation was necessary but resource-intensive; and sustaining the iGIS system requires ongoing investment in training, updates, and organizational buy-in.
Looking ahead, iDE Vietnam is scaling iGIS by expanding its application to WASH, agriculture, and environmental management projects. Cross-project knowledge-sharing is being fostered, and sustainable GIS capacity is being built across teams. Furthermore, iGIS methodologies are now embedded into new project proposals, strengthening evidence-based development planning and unlocking new funding opportunities.
This session will share practical steps, challenges, and lessons learned for organizations seeking to integrate spatial thinking into their M&E systems — showing how moving from data to decision can drive smarter, more resilient development outcomes
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Ngoc Quang Le | Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) Manager | PhD in Information with 10+ years in international development. I lead MERL at iDE Vietnam, specializing in M&E systems, data use, and learning. I work across sectors to improve evaluation, ensure data integrity, and build capacity for sustainable, data-driven development. |