GeoAid: GIS-Driven Solidarity Network Mapping and Management for Humanitarian Aid in Athens

The GeoAid project was conceived in response to the socioeconomic crises that plagued Greece over the last decade, compounded by the African migrant crisis. Led by experts from the National Technical University of Athens, the project aimed to address critical humanitarian needs through advanced GIS technologies. Athens, a densely populated urban area hosting the highest concentration of businesses and humanitarian demands, was selected as the primary focus area.

The project’s core objective was to map and manage the city’s solidarity network, comprising shelters, soup kitchens, social markets, pharmacies, education centers, and donation collection points. By using geocoding and spatial analysis, the project provided real-time, actionable information to individuals in need, volunteers, and other stakeholders. It also sought to raise public awareness and participation in this critical network by offering an interactive and user-friendly map platform.

The GIS-driven solutions enabled the creation of a centralized, accessible database. Volunteers and stakeholders could quickly identify areas with insufficient coverage and direct resources effectively. Moreover, the public could filter and access data to locate the nearest facilities based on their needs, optimizing the humanitarian response in a time-sensitive context.