Topic:Geospatial Technologies for the Sustainability of Public Safety Planning in Developing Countries: The Case of Northern Namibia

Abstract
Geospatial technologies permit public administrators to map regional patterns of socio-economic events that may not be evident through common methods such as tabular form and spreadsheet reports. Crime prevention efforts need high quality geospatial data because the regional distribution of factors related to illegal activity can be detected and mapped more efficiently. However, there are developing countries that earned political independence not so long ago, facing challenges with the collection and management of crime data. The lack of geospatial technologies for crime analysis can present problems for government agencies seeking to reduce delinquency. This presentation considers the challenges and lessons learned during the development of spatial analyses of crime in northern Namibia during the 2010s. This African nation achieved independence in the early 1990s, and like many countries of the region, levels of criminal activity are concerning. We will offer ideas based on our experiences with Namibia’s crime statistics for technical initiatives that can help similar countries to engage in crime mapping. Our goal is to present geospatial technologies as a tool for developing countries’ public safety planning that can identify localities in need of stronger law enforcement presence.