Google to map African data

Google has developed applications to map educational statistics and natural resources in Africa for the benefit of the public and organizations providing basic services.

A pilot project in East Africa replicates a similar project established in India, measuring achievement in education, said Aleem Walji, a global development officer at Google.org.

In Uganda, for example, Google is working with the Bureau of Standards to record census data on the number of children existing in a particular age group. The company is also working with the government to determine the amount spent on each student and the number of primary school students who advance to secondary schools.

"The project is interesting to parents, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders interested in the educational content and quality in the region," Walji said.

The project is tasked with assessing the differences between universal primary education, provided by governments in the region, and private schools that usually charge fees.

"Africa has very interesting history on development of educational institutions and how the quality has changed over time; the problem is that it is not accessible online," said Ann Nyokabi, a parent in Nairobi. "Most parents today will appreciate online information."

The project ultimately aims to help parents make decisions on the quality of education for their children, she added.

The information will be uploaded to Google Maps for viewing.

In a separate mapping project, Google is working with the United Nations Habitat to collect data on water quality, the cost of pipes and the distance that people must walk to access water.

The project will add a layer to Google maps where the public, civil society organizations, the media and the government can access information to better understand the situation, Walji said. By viewing the situation on the ground in map form, an international organization will be able to determine in which area to invest, he added.

"This will be important to research on poverty alleviation and the interventions that can be made," Walji concluded.