Locational data (“geo-data”) has become increasingly available due to technological innovation. This innovation has improved the capability of capturing, storing and processing vast amounts of geo-data, producing results which have commercial and administrative value. For example, such data are essential in the SDG agenda.
While there is a growing awareness of the ethical challenges of geo-data (such as privacy, access to data and surveillance), we require a better understanding of the societal role emerging technologies can play in acquiring geo-data. Building on insights from Philosophy of Technology, we begin with the premise that technologies are not neutral tools but shape the ways in which we perceive and act in the world. In our project, we will answer the question: To what extent do geo-data technologies affect the responsibilities of various stakeholders to improve the lives of the urban poor? The project links to global policy goals of promoting public health (SDG-3), access to water (SDG-6), and building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities (SDG-11).
The PhD project “Framework for responsible and accountable deprivation area mapping in support of pro-poor policies” (FRAME-PRO) will build a framework to evaluate geo-data technologies (such as geo-information systems, mapping and sensor technologies) through two case studies. Such a framework helps to identify the relevant stakeholders in the geo-data acquisition, to address the distribution of accountability and responsibility in the global use of these technologies.
The first case looks into the automated detection of “slums” through satellite and drone images, focusing on the long-term planning and development of mapping practices. The second case concerns the design of GIS for disaster response, to understand how geo-data technologies can help in improving resilience to human-made and climate-related risks in developing countries. These cases will be supplemented by insights on the day-to-day management of geo-data technologies from a master thesis (see below) as well as embedded research in various institutions.
TEAM
- Isaac Oluoch (BMS, PhD candidate)
- Peter-Paul Verbeek (BMS, Promotor)
- Michael Nagenborg (BMS, Daily supervisor, Project leader)
- Monika Kuffer (ITC, Co-supervisor)
- Karin Pfeffer (ITC)
- Yola Georgiadou (ITC)