UNEP/GRID-Geneva and UN Environment have developed MapX, an online platform for managing geospatial data on natural resources. Field applications of MapX are varied and include chemicals management, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity planning, land use planning, extractive industry, renewable energy and environmental security. MapX targets a wide community of users that are primarily UN Environment and partners, the Secretariats of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and other UN agencies mandated to collect and use geospatial data in environmental decision making. Civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, academia and citizens complement this set of users. MapX was designed in 2014 and since then continuously improved with wide international stakeholder consultations. MapX is fully integrated into the World Environment Situation Room, which is the UNEP data and knowledge platform.

An open source cloud solution for mapping and monitoring the sustainable use of natural resources

MapX is a spatial data infrastructure that aims to support the sustainable use of natural resources and the environment by increasing access to the best available geospatial information and related monitoring technologies.
Mapping Change
We have conducted dozens of projects at various geographical scales, covering all environmental topics, including Biodiversity, Chemicals, Environmental Security, Extractives, Land Use Planning, Natural Capital, Natural Hazards and Renewable Energy
Open and integrated approach
Free for all, MapX is a low-bandwidth solution to suit any environment. Transparent and integrated approach for economic, social and environmental problem-solving.
Introducing the Data Workspace
Co-design to build solutions that are fit for purpose. Data projects are secure data pools in which you can upload and analyze your own spatial data, compare it against existing datasets, and create story maps, and collaborate with team members.
Web mapping for people and planet
Introducing MapX
MapX provides the following core services:
Catalog of best available spatial data
A single platform which aggregates and combines spatial data. Includes safeguards for controlling data security, integrity and access.
Real time analytical and visualization tools
Offers a range of fast client tools for analysis, customized visualizations and monitoring areas of interest. Optimized for low bandwidth environments.
Dynamic communication products and services
Powerful communication tools to inform action and decision-making. This includes story maps, dashboards and functions for customized sharing.
Highlighted Projects
MapX has engagements around the globe. Information about our public portfolio of work is available below:

Caribbean Sea and Region environmental platform
Biodiversity, Reporting

Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation (Eco-DRR)
Natural Hazards

Remote sensing in support of ASGM policy development and evaluation
Extractives, Reporting

MapX in support of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development
Environmental Monitoring, Reporting

The Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool (NEAT+)
Environmental Monitoring, Land Use Planning, Reporting

Environmental country profiles
Environmental Monitoring

Geospatial Information for Enhancing Sustainable Mining in Northwest Ghana
Extractives, Land Use Planning

Sahel fragility and environment assessment
Environmental Security, Extractives, Land Use Planning, Natural Hazards

Internationally Agreed Environmental Goals (IAEGs) Monitor
Biodiversity, Chemicals, Extractives, Reporting

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB): making nature’s values visible
Biodiversity, Natural Capital

Niger Disaster Risk Information System
Natural Hazards

Earth Observation Data Cube on Demand for Monitoring Land Degradation by Mining Activities
Biodiversity, Extractives

The World Environment Situation Room
Biodiversity, Chemicals, Environmental Security, Extractives, Land Use Planning, Natural Hazards, Renewable Energy, Reporting

Supporting the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) in managing geospatial information
Biodiversity, Reporting

Support for National Action Plans under the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Chemicals, Reporting

Somalia: Drought Impact Needs Assessment (DINA)
Environmental Security, Land Use Planning, Natural Hazards, Renewable Energy

Probo Koala Environmental Audit
Chemicals, Environmental Security, Land Use Planning

Haiti Environment and Energy Mapping
Land Use Planning, Renewable Energy

DR Congo: Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Support
Extractives, Land Use Planning

Global Risk Data Platform
Land Use Planning, Natural Hazards

Sustainable Development of Natural Resources in Afghanistan
Chemicals, Environmental Security, Extractives, Natural Hazards
engagement statistics
70
Countries supported
27
Past & ongoing projects
1800
Public datasets
6
Multilateral Environmental Agreements supported
260
Stakeholders trained