Maps

Overview

Thematic map Open	Reference map Open
Operational map (Humanitarian Access)	Operational map (Camp/Settlement)

Description

There are many types of humanitarian maps. Reference maps or basemaps are used to simply provide basic information of a geographical location including the settlements, roads, waterways, topography. Most commonly used maps in the humanitarian settings are thematic and operational maps. Generally, maps are produced upon a request from an office or operations management.

Maps come in many different sizes and degrees of detail. Usually, thematic and operational maps come in A4 format. Reference maps can vary from A4 to A0, depending on the use purpose and level of detail.

IM Input/Task

Generate/produce maps and manage the related spatial/non-spatial data

Main Skillset

Mapping

Focal Point

IMO

Frequency

As required. 

Distribution

Reliefweb, ReliefWeb Response, e-mail, print, MailChimp, relevant Skype/Slack groups

Audience

HCT, Cluster member agencies, IMOs, Government, I/NGOs, Donors, CSOs, HQ 

Data Sources

Clusters, HCT members and organizations, partners, government agencies, COD, CSOs and private institutions.  

Process

Naming Convention for Maps and Information Products

OCHA Field Map names are made of four parts separated by an underscore: 

1. The catalogue number, if in use (a good practice for catalogue numbers is to have a three letter code for the country office and a sequential number) 

2. A short map name (e.g. somalia_3w) 

3. The paper size (A4, A3, A0, etc)

4. The date of publication in YYYYMMDD format. 

Examples: 

• SUM001_aceh_reference_map_a4_20050128

• LBN001_Lebanon_reference_map_20081029

• template_sample_a4_20080917

Resources

Guidance package: for mapping/graphic styles and templates check this link

Examples of country and regional maps