Using locational data from mobile phones in development aid projects - A case study
Vesa Saarinen · Aaltodoc (Aalto University) · 2015
Today’s mobile phones often possess the ability to record locational data, i.e. the ability to locate the device and its user anywhere in the world. One interesting but less-researched context where this ability is used is the context of development aid. This research contributes to development aid research and to locational data research by showcasing how locational data from mobile phones has been advocated in development aid projects. The following research questions are presented: 1) how has locational data (collected by mobile phones) been used in real-life development aid project cases? 2) What policy and research recommendations should be considered from these cases? The research questions are answered by presenting applications using locational data, their real-life use cases and big data research projects that have contributed to development aid sector. A qualitative case study methodology is interpretatively used when showcasing five selected applications (PoiMapper, Ushahidi, CommTrack, CommCare and Taarifa) and their uses. Applications and use cases are reflected to three frameworks: 1) OECD’s evaluation criteria, 2) the challenges of implementing new technologies and 3) the question of democracy/development aid. The research indicates that locational data and applications using this data have added and can add value to development aid projects. While technologies and big data research can increase the measurable impact of development aid projects, many challenges such as difficulties in implementation and choosing the right application for the task at hand should be noted. Policy recommendations include recommendations such as advocating the general use of new technologies in development aid sector and helping start-ups to build technologies that advocate locational data. Future research is needed on, for example, privacy issues, long-term impacts and less successful cases.