Research is a rigorous process regardless of what field you’re in. It takes months, if not years, of hard work, patience, and sleepless nights to complete it. 

Data from research is a minefield of information that may be wasted if not properly presented. If your research involves location data, consider incorporating maps. Here are five reasons why mapping is important in research, and how it can supplement your data-driven study. 

Mapping can help you visualize spatial relationships and patterns

If you aim to craft a compelling hypothesis, sometimes, it’s not enough to simply present your collated data into a running text or tables. Employing maps is a more visual approach that can help you create a more cohesive, easy-to-digest narrative using all the data you’ve painstakingly collected. 

Maps can show you patterns by revealing clusters, trends, and relationships that are otherwise not apparent in tabular data. For instance, we created spider maps to help a surgical resident determine which cities and municipalities in Region 4A and neighboring provinces are served by specific hospitals. By creating these maps and incorporating various parameters, the analysis was able to highlight service coverage. The study was also able to calculate and visualize the distances from each hospital to every city or municipality. 

Maps make data more accessible and engaging

Using digital maps, when applicable, can help you with data storytelling that’s more engaging. Your audience will be able to better understand and parse complex information by tapping into visual-spatial intelligence. Interactive maps, where readers can zoom in and out, pan, click, and choose filters and layers, prompt more engagement. This, in turn, makes your research more accessible. 

For instance, instead of presenting a static report on how a disease spreads geographically, you can use an interactive map that allows readers to filter case counts per region, province, city, municipality, or barangay. Readers can also explore how the disease behaves depending on various environments (i.e., urban vs. rural areas). A map with a time slider also allows your audience to navigate through different periods to observe the decline or resurgence of the disease. 

It’s easier to explore intersections and correlations

A professor taking her doctoral study asked us to create maps for her dissertation. Her study focuses on how designs of sari-sari stores reflect the local culture and foster social connections within families and neighborhoods. Sari-sari stores are small, family-owned stores commonly found in residential areas in the Philippines. 

The maps we created may be used to determine if tight-knit communities prefer certain storefront designs, therefore hinting at possible stronger social ties. The maps may also show if there are distinct differences in storefront styles based on the sari-sari store’s location (either within the central district or peripheral areas). Foot traffic patterns can also provide an insight into the daily routines and rhythms of the local community in relation to these mom-and-pop shops. 

Maps support decision-making based on evidence

Tables, spreadsheets, charts, and other traditional means of presenting data may not be enough if you want actionable insights. Including maps in your research on how dengue spreads through communities, for example, can instantly show which high-risk areas are in immediate need of intervention such as fumigation and clean-up drives. 

When determining the distribution of hospitals in a region, as with the case of the surgical resident we’ve worked with, the maps we created show which municipalities are underserved in terms of hospital access. This information can then guide the healthcare sector and governments to prioritize building more medical facilities in these areas. Health departments can also use this data to allocate funding, mobile clinics, and medical staff to fill in the gaps. 

You can track geographical changes over time

Maps are essential if your research aims to explore geographic correlations over time. For instance, if you’re tracking the impact of deforestation across several regions over the course of 10 years, using maps can clearly reveal geographic changes that have been happening. This can guide concerned institutions in formulating specific interventions per location instead of developing a one-size-fits-all solution. If illegal logging is the root cause of deforestation in one area, then lawmakers and environmental organizations can design solutions addressing that particular issue. 

Mapping can also identify boundaries, such as indigenous lands and agricultural zones, and serve as a tool in safeguarding these. You can also monitor how effective interventions are by tracking forest growth using satellite imageries. 

While presenting data in tables, graphs, and charts are still a crucial part of research, maps can add another layer of spatial context. It’s now easier to retain and understand facts and findings that are otherwise challenging to visualize, making your research more effective.

On  February 5, 2025, the Philippine House of Representatives moved to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. Out of 306 House members, 215 voted for the VP’s impeachment, citing a number of charges. Here, we map out who voted to impeach Sara Duterte.

Impeachment charges 

There was the alleged assassination plot. In a recorded Zoom press conference last November 23, 2024, the Vice President declared that should she be killed, she had already made plans to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated. This stemmed from rising tensions between the Vice President and the President, who were allies in the 2022 presidential elections. Duterte and Marcos ran for office under the UniTeam banner.

Duterte also allegedly attempted to destabilize the government when she refused to attend the President’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) and appointing herself as a “designated survivor.” She also participated in rallies that called for the resignation of Marcos.

Misuse of confidential funds was also a key point in the impeachment. Approximately P612.5 million was allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd), of which the VP served as secretary until her resignation in June 2024. During her tenure in DepEd, Duterte was also accused of handing out significant amounts of money to high-ranking officials. This was seen as a bribery attempt to influence procurement and bidding procedures.

Her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), a sworn document signed by the country’s public officials and government employees, was also put in question. The VP’s declared net worth is not commensurate with her legitimate sources of income. Her unexplained wealth also includes undisclosed bank accounts with former President Rodrigo Duterte, her father.

Furthermore, VP Duterte was also implicated in extrajudicial killings by testimonies from former police officer Arturo Lascañas. She was linked to the Davao Death Squad, supposedly allowing extrajudicial killings in Davao City during her days as a mayor.

The impeachment case has since been elevated to the Senate, which scheduled the trial to commence on June 2, 2025 after the midterm elections. A vote of 16 out of 24 senators is needed to convict the Vice President. A conviction means Duterte will have to step down from office and will no longer be allowed to run for any future position in the government.

As a counter-move, Duterte petitioned the Supreme Court to render the impeachment proceedings null, thereby preventing the Senate to proceed with the trial. According to Duterte, the charges leveled against her are unconstitutional.

Want to see more Congress votes? Check out our blog on the Maharlika Investment Fund.

GIS has been around for decades, and with the technological advancements of recent years, its applications have also multiplied. Here, we answer questions on basic GIS concepts to help you better understand this technology.

What exactly is GIS?

GIS, or Geographic Information System, is a technological tool used to gather, collate, and visualize location data along with other kinds of data. It’s digital mapping that can be integrated with a variety of information, revealing patterns and insights that aren’t readily obvious.

The simplest applications of this are Google Maps and Waze. We use these apps to check traffic and find the best route to our destination. That’s GIS in action—we use location data to solve the problem of efficient navigation.

Why do I need to know about GIS?

Various industries and disciplines are already putting GIS to good use to improve overall processes and systems. This technology is key to making data-informed decisions.

When you have all the information you need, you become more confident in deciding what actions to take and which among these actions provide the best answer(s) to solve a problem. You’re also able to determine which problem to prioritize and how.

How can it actually help streamline processes and make them efficient?

When it comes to using data for better decision-making, accuracy is essential. With GIS technology, you can capture, collate, organize, and manage data so there’s less room for errors and inconsistency.

GIS can help streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and increase productivity by giving you access to real-time data. It can also facilitate better communication and collaboration between departments. You can also use GIS to analyze resources, monitor changes overtime, track assets, and improve resource utilization and allocation. All these can significantly reduce downtime and costs.

What GIS jargon do I need to be familiar with?

You don’t need to know all the terms right away. Here are some you may have already encountered.

• Geocoding is the process of assigning geographic coordinates (i.e., longitude and latitude) to a specific location.
• Data visualization uses visual elements, like graphs, charts, diagrams, and maps, to present data in a visually appealing manner. This makes it easier to understand an otherwise complex information.
• Layers are composed of individual sets of organized spatial data, each representing a specific type of information. Layers are used to combine multiple datasets to visualize relationships between these sets of data.
• Location intelligence makes use of location data in analyzing spatial data sets. These are then visualized using GIS to come up with informed decisions.
• Spatial analysis is the process of analyzing the attributes of geographic features to look for patterns, relationships, and trends.

Science fiction has often depicted advanced technology before it’s applied in real life. Take, for instance, that scene in Back to the Future Part II where a media outlet used a drone to cover the arrest of Griff Tannen, Marty McFly’s nemesis. This critically acclaimed franchise defined sci-fi flicks—the gizmos and gadgets featured were way ahead of their time.

 These days, those hi-tech tools are commonplace. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly referred to as drones, have become an indispensable tool in many industries. Aside from capturing stunning birds-eye view snapshots and videos, UAVs are used in a myriad of ways (yes, even in news coverage). Here, we list down various drone applications in the Philippines and around the world that are changing the way we see things—literally and figuratively.

Drones for progress monitoring

Construction sites need constant monitoring so that project managers can keep tabs on the progress and make sure everything is up to par according to design plans. This also allows them to readily identify and solve problems that may arise at any given phase.

In extensive construction projects that cover acres of land, drones are used to provide up-to-date progress reports. UAVs also help create topographic maps to note terrain changes over time so that necessary adjustments can be made promptly.

Drones for infrastructure maintenance

Drones come in handy where physical inspection is impossible or potentially unsafe, as with building façades, utility towers, and resorts and amusement parks. In Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, for example, drones are used in maintaining the rides to make sure they’re safe.

Likewise, the National Stadium in the Lion City also employs drones and artificial intelligence (AI) for inspection—an important task that now takes only three days instead of two weeks.

UAVs can also be used to record historical data to regularly monitor and maintain the condition of critical structures like power lines, bridges, and pipelines. In Copenhagen, drones with thermographic camera were used to detect leakages in underground heating pipes. The aerial machines took 50,000 photos that were then stitched together in a thermal map. HOFOR, the largest utility company in Demark, headed this endeavor and was able to pinpoint 44 areas with probable leakage.

Drones for precision farming

Drones equipped with multispectral sensors can capture information on soil moisture, crop health, and nutrient levels. These data sets are used to create maps that farmers can refer to so they can determine which crops need fertilizers, pesticides, and water. In a study in Northeastern Germany, for instance, UAVs were used to monitor the health of wheat and barley. Data on fresh biomass, leaf area index, plant leaf nitrogen, and plant height were collected.

With the help of multiple sensors, information from drones can also be used to detect crop stressors. Identifying factors that affect crop growth and development, whether they’re related to the environment (like climate change) or other organisms (like pests) enable farmers to prevent irreversible damage.

Drones for urban planning

Keeping tabs on land use patterns, infrastructure, and urban vegetation, among others, allow urban planners to develop cities and townships while optimizing resources. Photos taken by drones are used to create detailed maps that urban planners work with to identify areas for development, transportation, and potential hazards. UAVs are also helpful in monitoring how cities are changing so planners can understand and anticipate future challenges.

A well-planned urban development means residents can enjoy vibrant, sustainable spaces and better quality of life. Businesses thrive in effectively planned cities, and this opens up job opportunities that spur economic growth.

Drones for property assessment and site selection

Postcard-pretty views, leisure amenities, and proximity to commercial hubs, hospitals, and schools—these are selling points of a real estate property. But real estate developers don’t just chance upon these features.

Before construction begins, developers assess a potential site’s topography and accessibility. Topography dictates whether the location is suitable for residential or commercial use. It also determines infrastructure costs and helps identify measures to prevent potential hazards such as landslides. Using UAVs is the best method to do this.

Drones can also help with property assessment by capturing detailed aerial imagery. This is then processed into 3D models that can be used to come up with comprehensive evaluations to speed up decision-making.

Traveling is back in full swing, which isn’t surprising considering how everyone got tired of being holed up at home during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, international tourist arrivals in 2022 exceeded twice the numbers of the preceding two years, according to the World Economic Forum. In Asia and the Pacific, the World Tourism Organization noted a 61% recovery as more destinations have opened their doors.

If you want to indulge in a more immersive travel experience the next time you book that flight, consider culinary tourism. Follow your taste buds when drafting your next travel itinerary. Coming up with a list of destinations based on a region’s flavorful offerings makes for a more exciting and memorable adventure.  Here, we map out the best food destinations in Asia based on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list from 2020 to 2024.

The best Asian cities to visit for food

These cities in Asia are home to the best dining spots hailed by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. William Reed Media kicked off this prestigious restaurants ranking in 2013, with votes from over 300 industry experts across the Asian culinary industry. Each expert “cast a set number of votes for the restaurants where they have had their ‘best experience’ during the last 18 months before the voting deadline. The list is a simple computation of votes by Asian voters for restaurants in Asia,” as stated in 50 Best’s FAQ page.

Use this map to plan and explore your next out-of-the-country destination—and make sure your stomach always has room for more.

It may seem like ages ago, but back in December 2019, Chinese scientists scrambled to find answers to a then-mysterious disease that caused severe pneumonia. When scientists from Shanghai finally identified the genome sequence of the virus responsible for the rising hospitalizations and deaths, they didn’t waste time. They immediately shared their findings to the global scientific community for further study.

Meanwhile, with the help of geographic information, Johns Hopkins created a dashboard that tracked the pandemic . Although this dashboard is no longer updated today, it had been an essential tool in monitoring the spread of the virus.

These efforts paved the way to formulating vaccines in the shortest time possible—a crucial advantage in the battle against COVID-19. This use of technology best exemplifies how WebGIS can be a key component in effective decision-making.

What is WebGIS?

WebGIS is Geographic Information System (GIS) that uses the World Wide Web as the primary location for storing, analyzing, visualizing, and sharing spatial data. Because data is stored on the internet, information is readily accessible on any device, anywhere, anytime. It’s like using maps connected to the internet, similar to how we use Google Maps or Waze, but with specific features based on pre-determined information.

What are the benefits of WebGIS technology?

There are numerous perks to using web-based GIS as opposed to traditional, desktop-operated GIS.

For one, WebGIS is available in flexible pricing options suitable for varying needs and budgets. This makes it a practical option for those who are interested in exploring GIS for the first time.

It also allows for seamless collaboration because all required data are stored on the internet. This means anyone involved in a project has access to it. There’s little barrier, if at all, to knowledge-sharing. Since information are readily shared and distributed in real time with everyone involved (as with the case of identifying SARS-CoV-2), it’s now relatively quicker to make critical decisions.

It’s also easier to scale since WebGIS can accommodate more user demands, like additional features or functionalities. And because you have easy access, you can add or manipulate data anytime. This interactivity makes WebGIS suitable for when you need real-time input and analysis.

How does WebGIS work?

Several industries now employ this technology to address various issues, find and manage solutions, and streamline systems and processes. Here are some applications.

In environmental management

WebGIS is an exceptional tool that can help address climate change and many other environmental issues. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses web-based geospatial technology to monitor air and water quality. The agency also created an interactive map that tracks excess food in an effort to curb waste.

In business intelligence

WebGIS makes it more seamless to visualize and analyze data on market trends, competitor information, customer behavior, and sales performance. These sets of data can be made available in real time and shared among team members. Your team can then identify potential store locations, add comments, or highlight areas of interest directly on the web-based map. Because information is synchronized, everyone can see these updates at the same time.

In public health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a COVID-19 dashboard that anyone can access. The agency also created story maps on various health-related issues, like snake bite prevention. (A story map is a web-based, interactive platform tackling a specific topic. It uses multimedia elements to convey information that’s visually engaging).

In urban planning

WebGIS can be integrated with other tools for more effective urban planning. Creating a digital twin, or a virtual replica, of a city allows local governments and urban planners to enhance their decision-making capabilities based on available data. Take, for instance, this digital twin of New South Wales, Australia. Information on transportation networks, land use, urban heat index, real estate properties, major hazardous incidents, and many others are accessible.

What platforms and tools are available?

There are several WebGIS services you can use to create, share, and analyze geographic data. These platforms offer solutions to a wide range of users, whether you’re a GIS professional, a business owner, a marketer, or an urban planner. Here are a few popular options.

ArcGIS Online

This web-based platform is known for its wide array of maps, data, and applications used by both individuals and organizations. ArcGIS Online is developed by Esri, a leading mapping software provider. Using this platform gives you access to Esri’s vast collection of geographic data and services.

Mapbox

Mapbox is known for its customizability. This allows you to create unique maps and location-based applications, with complete control over visual elements like font style, camera angles, map styles, and 3D features, among others.

Carto

Carto is a cloud-based location intelligence service that boasts a user-friendly interface. This makes it easier for you to create dashboards and interactive maps, analyze spatial data, and gain insights from these data.

OpenLayers

This is an open-source platform for creating interactive web maps. OpenLayers allows you to display various map layers with customizations. Developers and organizations who prefer feature-rich web maps use this WebGIS tool.

Leaflet

Another open-source service, Leaflet is best for developing no-frills, dynamic maps best suited for web and mobile use. It supports various data formats so you can display and interact with different kinds of spatial data on the web. Consider this if you want basic mapping capabilities.

Geoserver

Geoserver allows you to publish and manage geospatial data on the World Wide Web using established protocols, letting you effectively create maps and analyze location data. Geoserver also connects to multiple data sources for more flexibility.

With its numerous advantages and wide range of applications, WebGIS is a practical tool if you want to explore what GIS can do for your business or organization. Its accessibility, relative affordability, collaboration features, scalability, and ease of use make this technology an essential platform in enhancing systems and making data-informed decisions.

Message us if you want to know more about how you can leverage WebGIS.

The controversial Republic Act No. 11954 or the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023 has been signed into a law last July 18, 2023. Prior to that, House Bill 6608 was approved by the House of Representatives on December 15, 2022.

What is it?

The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) aims to profit from government assets as a means to invest in programs that support agriculture, energy, digitalization, and climate change projects. The end goal: to spur the economic development in the country. Other nations like Singapore, China, South Korea, and Malaysia have similar wealth funds.

The MIF will be overseen by a board of directors comprised of representatives from government institutions, fund contributors, as well as independent managers. The initial funds will be sourced from the Development Bank of the Philippines (P25 billion), the Land Bank of the Philippines (P50 billion), and the National Government (P50 billion, which will come from 10% of the gross gaming revenue of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation; and 100% dividends of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, among others). The Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and other social security and public health insurance providers were originally included in the roster. However, they were eventually removed due to concerns about the wealth fund’s impact on public benefits and pensions.

What are its benefits?

If managed properly, a national wealth fund can protect the country from economic shocks arising from natural disasters, financial crises, geopolitical events, and other unexpected circumstances that can significantly affect the economy. This financial stability can then boost investor confidence, thereby resulting in good credit standing. As the country becomes less dependent on external borrowing, interest rates decrease.

Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), for instance, is one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world. In the first quarter of 2023, it posted a strong 5.9% return on investment, thanks to rising stock markets. While it declared a loss of 653 billion Norwegian kroner (about USD61 billion) a year ago, GPFG managed to earn a profit of 893 billion Norwegian kroner (about USD84 billion) this year. The country’s central bank, Norges Bank, manages the fund. Norges owns 1.5% of all globally listed shares, with stakes in more than 9,000 companies.  

Why is it controversial?

Critics have expressed their concerns about the fund sources and the team who will oversee the MIF. Certain exemptions from the law may create loopholes that can be exploited. Its speedy approval into a bill, which took only three weeks and was certified as “urgent” by the president, means there wasn’t enough time to properly scrutinize and deliberate on it. Critics also say there are more urgent matters to prioritize, such as housing for the poor.

Lawmaker Gabriel Bordado of the Third District of Camarines Sur, one of the six legislators who voted against it versus the 279 who voted “yes,” cites the country’s massive national debt of more than P13 trillion. Such huge financial liability, not to mention the country’s budget deficit, makes the Philippines ill-prepared to adopt a wealth fund. This is a stark contrast to wealthy nations who have excess funds that equip them to readily repay debts. Furthermore, mishandling the wealth fund may affect the country’s credit standing and borrowing rates—a concern also raised by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business group.

Even the name per se is mired in controversy. “Maharlika” is associated with the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, father of President Bongbong. Suggestions to come up with a more neutral name for the fund have been raised.    

Geographic Information System (GIS), in simple terms, is digital mapping that can be integrated to a variety of information to gain insights and solve problems. It has been around for decades, and as recent years saw technology advance by leaps and bounds, the applications of GIS have also multiplied. Here, we explore the basics of GIS and how it is used in various industries.

Decoding the jargon

Learning how you can leverage GIS for your organization might sound overwhelming. Here are common terms you might encounter.

·       Attribute data are additional information related to spatial data. These are also called non-spatial or tabular data, like names, addresses, and descriptions of properties. In an e-commerce site, for example, the customer database may include a customer’s name, email, home address, payment method, and purchase history, among other details.

·       Data visualization makes use of visual elements like graphs, charts, diagrams, and maps to present data in a visually appealing manner. This allows for better understanding of an otherwise confounding set of information.

·       Geocoding is the process of assigning geographic coordinates (i.e., longitude and latitude) to a specific location.

·       GNSS stands for “global navigation satellite system.” It provides accurate location and time based on satellite information. Countries like the U.S., Russia, Japan, and China have their own GNSS. U.S.-owned or operated GNSS is called GPS, which stands for “global positioning system.” The two are often used interchangeably, although “GNSS” is the universal term.

·       Layers are composed of individual sets of organized spatial data, each representing a specific type of information. Layers are used to combine multiple datasets so as to visualize relationships between these sets of data.

·       Location intelligence makes use of location data in analyzing spatial data sets. These are then visualized using GIS to come up with informed decisions.

·       Metadata refer to the information about the data per se. It can pertain to the data’s source, creation date, author, format, and other relevant description. Metadata are important in establishing the context, validity, and reliability of the data. To illustrate, consider the exchangeable image format (EXIF) of a photo. This contains information on the date and time the photo was taken, its file size and format, the camera settings, and other details.

·       Remote sensing is a method of remotely gathering information about the Earth’s surface using sensors or cameras.

·       Spatial analysis is the process of analyzing the attributes of geographic features to look for patterns, relationships, and trends. It’s similar to gathering and scrutinizing sales figures or market trends to come up with a strategic plan to grow a business.

·      Spatial data are data associated with a particular geographic location or position such as coordinates, points, satellite imagery, and topographic maps.