Geographic and satellite information systems are essential to any food security analysis or monitoring activity. While household or community level data are important, they are sometimes not available or accessible. In countries that have experienced prolonged conflict, most socioeconomic data are also outdated.

In order to ensure that VAM efforts are well designed, we are working towards a better integration of field-level information with geographic or remote-sensed data. By analysing trends in rainfall patterns and regeneration of vegetation cover, and integrating findings in to CFSVA's and FSMS's, potential bio-physical threats to food security can be identified and monitored over time.

VAM operates in close collaboration with other WFP units, sister UN agencies (FAO- WHO, UNHCR) and international and local partners. These partnerships result in building a broader base of knowledge date and the capacity of appropriate understanding and monitoring the country situation and provide appropriate tools for responses to emergencies and development programs.

Partnerships also mean exchange and sharing of spatial data. The Spatial Information Environment Network has been developed for this purpose, and allows appropriate data storage, metadata indexing and online mapping for easy data sharing among internal and external partners. Documented data archiving and sharing is considered essential previous to, during and post emergencies.