There is often insufficient evidence and data, especially at the local level, for decision-making and evaluation. The collection of data, including spatial data, needs to be the basis for any urban governance and planning process.

A collaborative process, with local actors playing a major role, can identify gaps in different sectors and create strong partnerships with local actors that result in data and analyses that are trusted and co-owned by all stakeholders.

Goal: fill the “data gap” with a participatory approach. It involves visual representation and presentation of data, and participation of different stakeholders in mapping urban needs, assessments, and prioritizing issues.