Digital and Spatial Technologies for Anticipatory Action – DASTAA
Project Summary
Problem:
DASTAA (Digital and Spatial Technologies for Anticipatory Action) is a modular GeoAI-enabled platform designed to help governments and humanitarian organizations move from reactive disaster response to proactive, anticipatory action. It integrates geospatial data, household-level surveys, hazard models, weather monitoring, and communication tools into one system to support data-driven disaster preparedness.
The platform combines web and mobile applications to collect field data, assess risk, visualize hazards, monitor weather conditions, and disseminate early warnings through multiple channels such as SMS, IVR, push notifications, and social media. DASTAA enables household and facility-level risk profiling by integrating survey data with hazard models and geospatial datasets. This allows governments and organizations to identify vulnerable households, generate preparedness plans, and prioritize interventions before disasters occur.
DASTAA supports several key use cases including municipal disaster preparedness planning, early warning dissemination, risk mapping, beneficiary identification for humanitarian assistance, and post-disaster damage assessment. By combining real-time monitoring with localized risk intelligence, the platform enables targeted early actions such as evacuation planning, relief distribution, and anticipatory cash transfers.
The system has already been implemented in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Malawi through projects supported by organizations such as ADPC, GSMA, and Twilio. In Nepals Mahakali Basin, DASTAA was used to assess over 22,000 households, generate risk profiles, and disseminate more than 127,000 IVR alerts and 41,000 SMS warnings during the monsoon season. During the 2024 cloudburst event, the platform supported early warning communication, evacuation planning, and targeted relief distribution.
By combining data, technology, and community engagement, DASTAA strengthens disaster preparedness, improves early warning systems, and helps communities take action before disasters strike.
Solution:
DASTAA is a GeoAI-enabled platform that helps governments and humanitarian agencies assess risk, send localized early warnings, and trigger anticipatory action before disasters strike.
Technical Requirements:
DASTAA is a web and mobile-based platform designed to operate in both high-connectivity and low-connectivity environments. The platform integrates geospatial analysis, field data collection, and early warning communication tools to support anticipatory disaster action.
Key technical requirements include:
Data Inputs:
Household and community-level survey data
Geospatial datasets (administrative boundaries, infrastructure layers, land use)
Satellite and Earth observation data
Hydro-meteorological data (rainfall, river levels, weather forecasts)
Historical disaster event data
Facility data (schools, hospitals, shelters, infrastructure)
Connectivity Requirements:
Internet connectivity for web platform access and data synchronization
Mobile connectivity for SMS and IVR-based early warning dissemination
The mobile application supports offline data collection with later synchronization when connectivity becomes available
Computing and Infrastructure:
Web browser access for the platform dashboard (municipalities, NGOs, researchers)
Android-based mobile devices for field enumerators
Cloud-based server infrastructure for data storage, processing, and geospatial analysis
Integration with messaging APIs (SMS/IVR services) for risk communication
System Capabilities:
GIS-enabled data visualization and spatial analysis
Multi-criteria risk assessment models
Hazard modelling integration (e.g., flood models such as HEC-RAS)
Multi-channel early warning dissemination (SMS, IVR, push notifications, social media)
Dashboard and report generation tools for decision-making
The system is designed to work in resource-constrained environments and can integrate both local monitoring data and global open datasets to improve hazard detection and early warning.
Operational Environment:
Rural
Urban / Metropolitan
Low-Bandwidth / Intermittent Connectivity
Inland
High-Bandwidth / Stable Connectivity
Licensing or Cost Structure:
DASTAA follows a hybrid deployment model. The platform is typically implemented through partnerships with governments, humanitarian organizations, and development agencies under project-based agreements, grants, or institutional collaborations. Key aspects of the model include: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) deployment for government agencies, municipalities, and organizations Project-based implementation supported by international donors, development partners, and humanitarian funding programs Service-based components, such as data collection, geospatial analysis, risk modelling, and capacity-building support Customization and integration with local early warning systems and disaster management frameworks The platform has been implemented through projects supported by organizations such as the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), GSMA, and Twilio. Pricing and access models are tailored based on project scope, geographic coverage, and institutional needs.
Ethical and Governance Considerations:
Fairness and Equity:
DASTAA is designed to support inclusive disaster preparedness by ensuring that risk assessments and early warning communications reach vulnerable and marginalized populations. Household-level surveys collect data on socio-economic vulnerabilities, disability, gender, and other risk factors to better identify those most at risk. Risk scoring models are regularly reviewed with local governments, experts, and community stakeholders to minimize bias and ensure contextual accuracy. Communication methods such as SMS, IVR voice calls, and community announcements help reach populations with different literacy levels and technology access.
Accountability and Governance:
DASTAA operates under institutional governance through partnerships with local governments, humanitarian organizations, and implementing partners. These stakeholders are responsible for overseeing the use of the platform, validating risk assessments, and ensuring appropriate actions based on the system’s outputs. Human oversight is maintained throughout the lifecycle of the system, including data collection, model development, risk analysis, and decision-making processes.
Transparency and Explainability:
The platform provides clear documentation and visual dashboards that explain how risk levels are calculated using survey indicators, geospatial datasets, and hazard models. Risk profiles and preparedness plans are shared with households and local authorities to promote transparency and understanding. Training programs are conducted for government officials and community stakeholders to ensure they understand the platform’s capabilities, limitations, and appropriate use.
Security, Safety, and Reliability:
DASTAA uses secure cloud infrastructure with controlled user access and role-based permissions to protect data and system functionality. The platform has been tested through multiple real-world deployments and pilot projects in disaster-prone regions. Continuous monitoring, system updates, and validation of data sources help ensure reliable operation during emergencies.
Privacy:
Household and personal data collected through DASTAA are handled in accordance with data protection principles. Data collection is conducted with informed consent and is used solely for disaster risk reduction and preparedness purposes. Sensitive information is stored securely, access is restricted to authorized users, and data are anonymized when used for analysis and reporting to protect individual privacy.