Common Operational Datasets

Common Operational Datasets or CODs, are authoritative reference datasets needed to support operations and decision-making for all actors in a humanitarian response. CODs are 'best available' datasets that ensure consistency and simplify the discovery and exchange of key data. The data is typically geo-spatially linked using a coordinate system (especially administrative boundaries) and have unique geographic identification codes (P-codes).

Core Common Operational Datasets

Core CODs are required in all disaster-prone countries as a preparedness measure, including administrative boundaries (COD-AB), sex and age-disaggregated population data (COD-PS), and humanitarian profile (caseload or COD-HP). They are critical for information and data products and to underpin effective coordination. Core CODs enable effective risk analysis, needs assessment, decision-making, and reporting on all aspects of the response.

Administrative Boundaries (COD-AB)

Administrative Boundary CODs are baseline geographical datasets that are used by humanitarian agencies during preparedness and response activities. They are preferably sourced from official government boundaries but when these are unavailable the information management network must develop and agree to a process to develop or adopt an alternate dataset. Administrative boundaries provide an essential data standard and are used directly and indirectly in almost every information product.

The administrative boundary dataset is key in preparedness and undergoes a review process to keep the data up to date.

Population Statistics (COD-PS)

Population Statistics CODs are the baseline population figures of a country pre-crisis situation. They are preferably developed by a government during a census but can also be derived from estimated figures. When neither of these options are available the information management network must develop and agree to a process to develop a dataset that can be used by humanitarian agencies during preparedness and response activities. 

Population statistics are required to inform programming in humanitarian response. Specifically, they are used to estimate the potential number of affected people or as a reference/resource in the development of needs assessments and in analysis.

Country-specific CODs

Country-specific Common Operational Datasets are a subset of the CODs that are specific to each country’s risk profile. They are datasets for which it is essential that the humanitarian community uses the same version of the data as a reference. The purpose of a country-specific COD is to provide a common reference for the humanitarian community to create a common operational picture (spatial datasets); to allow for further understanding of the situation (statistical data, tabular data etc); or to aid with assessments. Ideally, Country-specific CODs are identified and agreed to as a preparedness activity but the list should be reviewed and revised (if required) at the onset of a crisis based on the situation at that time and the humanitarian needs).

Examples of Common Operational Datasets include;

• Administrative boundaries
• Population Statistics (e.g. demography, distribution)
• Settlements (often as a point dataset)
• Communications links (e.g. road, rail, port, power and telephone infrastructure)
• Geographical features (e.g. hydrology, geology, vegetation coverage, elevation [DEMs])
• Natural hazards (e.g. flood risk, volcanoes, seismic risk)
• Assessed disaster impacts and/or needs (e.g. infrastructure and communications damage, affected populations statistics, affected land area)
• Satellite imagery

Whilst some data-sets remain relatively constant (e.g. geographical features and administrative boundaries) others change (assessed disaster impacts and needs) and require to be regularly updated.

CODs are intended to be used universally to improve coordination in humanitarian action; to build a common operational picture enabling more consistent activity and reduce duplication of data collection. The main source of curated CODs is the Humanitarian Data Exchange, though CODs may also be found on various governmental and independent websites.