Flattening The Data

The AGCommons team has been working with global datasets from HarvestChoice, Open Streeet Map, CGIAR-CSI, Google Map Maker, and the WFP among others. Aside from ensuring that these data are relevant at a local level in Africa the team has been looking at different ways to actually deliver the information to the field. We always [...]

Read Full Post »

The Elusive SMS Interface

When you spend time in Africa you realize immediately that the use mobile phones for SMS is huge. In the big cities just about everyone has a phone. Even in rural areas, most farmers use mobile phones regularly. Applications such as FrontlineSMS and RapidSMS have made it relatively easy for NGOs and others working in [...]

Read Full Post »

An Unconventional Approach to Integration

The AGCommons geospatial platform needs to support a wide variety of users and a large number of different scenarios in order to be successful. From a design perspective, the ideal platform solution must be: ♦ Unbiased in terms of software tools and platforms. ♦ Based on standards to enable maximum interoperability. ♦ Driven by user needs and be [...]

Read Full Post »