Using geospatial data to coordinate disaster response in Myanmar and Mozambique
MapAction used geospatial mapping to support disaster response for the Myanmar earthquake and Mozambique floods, helping responders understand needs, locations, and priorities.
Issue
Responding to disaster response requires a complex mix of responders from government organisations and NGOs with a wide range of skills and expertise. A key element is understanding what is happening to who, and where.
On 28 March 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. Following this, operational coordination was further complicated by restrictions on data transfer, dispersed response locations, and limited ability to share live dashboards.
In January 2026, Southern Mozambique was struck with floods affecting over 600,000 people. For crisis response, responders required reliable, up to date spatial intelligence to prioritise assessments, reach isolated communities, and manage temporary accommodation centres.
MapAction was active in both locations, supporting emergency responders with mapping and information throughout.
Approach
In Myanmar, MapAction set up an On Site Operations and Coordination Centres (OSOCCs) to respond directly to mapping requests from humanitarian partners, collaborating with UN humanitarian organisations such as United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
MapAction’s work focused on developing the needs assessment to support targeted responses. With digital tools constrained, paper based maps were created to show where the needs assessments had already taken place and highlighted priority areas for the following day. These maps consisted of administrative boundaries (sourced from national mapping organisations), OpenStreetMap data detailing infrastructure and natural systems, population models, earthquake shaking data, and aid drop off sites.
In Mozambique, MapAction supported flood response using a mix of automated models to map flood extent and field data. The satellite based flood models proved accurate and were used alongside OpenStreetMap data to identify hard to reach communities, coordinate helicopter access, and monitor aid delivery. Drone imagery, collected with partners and local operators, were used to rapidly map large temporary accommodation centres.
Impact
MapAction’s mapping support directly improved coordination and decision making during both emergencies.
In Myanmar, paper-based assessment maps helped UN humanitarian teams plan daily field deployments more effectively, ensuring broader coverage despite severe access and information constraints.
In Mozambique, modelled flood extent, hard to reach areas, aid delivery, and accommodation centre status were used operationally by UN agencies and local authorities to identify gaps, prioritise evacuations and supplies, and manage the safe reopening of schools.