Disruptive innovation: the lasting outcomes of participatory mapping and Volunteered Geographic Information in Nepal’s post-earthquake recovery

Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) is spatial data collected through digital participatory mapping, where non-expert volunteers create and share spatial knowledge. Despite claims of empowerment and improved decision-making, the long-term outcomes of participatory mapping remain under-evaluated. In humanitarian emergency response, VGI production enables the creation of updated real-time post-crisis maps, thus improving response effectiveness. This paper examines the lasting socio-economic outcomes of VGI production in humanitarian assistance, beyond the immediate crisis period, with a focus on the 2015 Nepal earthquake response. VGI production led to the creation of the first freely available and comprehensive digital basemap for Nepal, which catalyzed the development of new spatial services and platforms. Beyond disaster relief, the mapping data provided a foundation for new business and educational opportunities, including Baato Maps, a culturally relevant, low-cost navigation tool. The adoption of these tools has fostered a competitive ecosystem for spatial services like ride-sharing, e-commerce, and delivery, fostering economic resilience. This paper demonstrates how participatory mapping, when purposefully integrated, can drive disruptive innovation and create socio-economic benefits which support the transition from emergency response to long-term development. It highlights the importance of incorporating community generated VGI into future humanitarian planning and evaluation to support sustainable, community-driven innovation and enhance long-term resilience.