Challenges of Mapping Sustainable Development Goals Indicators Data

Abstract

The global population is growing at an incomprehensible rate and with it come complex environmental consequences that often result in social injustices. The United Nations has established a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an attempt to ameliorate inequality and promise safety for the masses. To reach these goals, a set of indicators have been identified and their associated data for each country are publicly available to measure how close each country is to each goal. Multifaceted social and environmental processes that are difficult to understand are causing threats to these goals. Maps help reduce complexity. Now, arguably anyone with access to the Internet and time can make a map. However, not all maps are effective accurate communication vessels. Well-designed maps tell a story that truthfully represents the data available. Here we present a synthesis of the cartographic workflow pointing out specific considerations necessary when mapping SDG indicators. Along the way we illustrate the cartographic workflow as it relates to visualizing SDG indicators. Common mapping pitfalls are described and a range of suggestions to avoid them are also offered. Map makers have a unique opportunity to use these data to illuminate and communicate injustices that are documented therein to inspire creative localized solutions to eradicate inequality.

Topographic and thematic (in)visibility of Small Island Developing States in a world map

“…Of the 232 SDG indicators, most measure a specific variable in relation to a proportion of (sub)population and are categorized in three tiers based on availability of data (Kraak et al, 2018). Tier I indicators have data available for at least 50 percent of the population in each UN region.…”

Global Ambitions, Local Contexts: Alternative Ways of Knowing the World

“…We received 15 contributions, of which the majority (eight) focused on indicators related to the urban goal (SDG 11), and a few on water (three; SDG6), health (one; SDG 3), education (one; SDG 4) and forest areas (one; SDG 15). One contribution [24] did not specifically select a particular indicator or goal, but provided a meta-level contribution on mapping. (See Table A1 in Appendix A for the full list of indicators analyzed in this SI).…”

“…Complementing the other SI contributions on production, Kraak et al [24] engaged with the question of how to responsibly 'represent' indicator measures through maps, seeing them as means to reduce complexity. Drawing on well-established debates in critical cartography, on how mapping decisions such as the choice of a particular spatial unit, boundary, data classification or map projection affect mapping outcomes with possible detrimental societal consequences, they outline a comprehensive cartographic workflow and elaborate associated considerations for (spatially) visualizing the UN SDG indicators.…”

“…Equal accessibility for all:identifying inequalities in transport accessibility for targeted policy interventions [26] Revealing an effect (inequality) [26,30] Spatial analysis to inform land-use efficient urban development strategies [42] Mapping to reduce complexities [24] Easy interpretation [42] Warning of potential pitfalls due to subjective choices made [24] Statistical methodologies can adequately identify spatial differences and clustering Identifying underrepresented groups to leave no one behind [29] Identifying underreported groups which may be at risk [29,30] Equal access for all: identifying inequalities in education [28] Identifying inequality [28] Participatory geo-spatial methodologies can produce reliable information from marginalized groups Certain inequalities are not sufficiently captured by the SDGs: alternative approaches to leave no one behind [30] Revealing effects, i.e., inequality [30] Combining multiple data streams will adequately measure the real world (data ecosystem)…”

Seeing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through Maps

“…Cartography has an important role to play in communicating SDG indicator data, and thus in our understanding of the SDGs and their impacts. For instance, the array of SDG indicators are prescribed at different levels of measurement (e.g., nominal, ordinal, ratio) and use different strategies for normalization (e.g., none, proportions, rates, indices) [6]. Cartography offers general guidelines for transforming and mapping existing indicators and new ones as they become available, while remaining adaptable to specific contexts and needs.…”