How to map urban health facilities in LMICs; a practical guide

Health Facility Mapping has been identified as a cornerstone for health planning and monitoring by the World Health Organization. Yet developing countries that could benefit from a comprehensive health facility database lack... [ view full abstract ]

Health Facility Mapping has been identified as a cornerstone for health planning and monitoring by the World Health Organization. Yet developing countries that could benefit from a comprehensive health facility database lack GIS trained personnel to conduct mapping exercises. Furthermore, in urban areas, technical difficulties are encountered in recording Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates using traditional devices due to high-rise buildings and close proximity of health facilities. Keeping these challenges in mind, we have developed a streamlined method to undertake health facility mapping in urban areas by non-technical personnel.

To describe the processes and steps involved in health facility mapping in urban areas.

The first step involves getting permission from health authorities in the country and the preparation of basemaps. In absence of digitized maps and only periodic update of non-digitized paper maps, a process of digitization and update was necessary. The second step involves the systematic inventory of all facilities. To save time and cost we merged listing and geocode collection steps through the use of a computer application which has the following functionalities: (a) Listing forms (facility name, address, contact number) with an option for collection of geographic coordinates. (b) Auto unique identifier generation for each listed facility. (c) Onsite correction through live plotting of geocodes over an upgraded base map. The third step is where we do facility survey. The Survey questionnaire followed WHO’s recommended signal and domain functions. To minimize data collection error the app had built-in logic checks. The fourth step is where 5-10% of the surveyed areas are revisited for data verification


This method for mapping was refined over a period of 3 years during field work in Bangladesh. Other countries in the process of creating Master Facility Lists may benefit from our experience and methodological innovations., potentially saving time and expert resource costs.