Activation Criteria

In general, the SBTF is activated only if the request is in compliance with SBTF general principles: to provide dedicated live mapping support to organizations in the humanitarian, human rights, environment, election monitoring and media space, with a focus on local organizations.

  • The SBTF typically activates in two types of crisis: (i) a humanitarian emergency declared under the International Charter Space & Major Disaster, or (ii) a political situation that may lead to a major humanitarian disaster.
  • The SBTF evaluates the activation on a case by case basis. The SBTF will activate only under the request of a third party, and will give preference to organizations that (i) are already present on the ground; (ii) are locally led; and (iii) have capacity to respond.
  • The Activating organization (third party) must demonstrate (i) a clear and pressing need for a live map; (ii) a concrete explanation detailing how they will use the data collected; (iii) a sustainability strategy if the live map is to be a long term project; and (iv) a plan to monitor & evaluate their use of the live map. A point of contact (POC) for the Activating organization has to be identified and available for consultation on daily basis.
  • Requests for activation have to clearly specify the challenges/tasks to be addressed through SBTF participation and an estimated timeline of requested participation has to be specified. Based on this, the SBTF core team will decide whether requested services are within the capacity of the Task Force.
  • The duration of the requested activation period should typically be no more than 2 weeks. If a longer activation is required, a meeting will be scheduled on day 10 between SBTF Liaison Coordinators and the Activator to determine feasibility for extension.

The SBTF will typically activate if all of the above criteria are met. That said, if some but not all of the criteria are met, the SBTF has the option of activating side (or informal) deployment. About half of the SBTF’s deployments have thus far been side deployments; these are not official SBTF deployments but do draw on SBTF volunteers and their expertise.