Our goal is to use socio-spatial data to investigate the political and administrative forces that have shaped unequal urban development and outcomes. We are particularly focused on developmental exclusion.  Our current work is in Delhi and the marginalized citizens living in “informal settlements.” Despite the fact that these informal settlements house a majority of the city’s residents, they are often rendered invisible in official data, perpetuating their exclusion from the services to which formally planned areas are entitled to. Our research integrates data from a variety of sources to spatially document the differentiated citizenship and fragmented cities experienced by the poor. In particular, we are building settlement-level data on citizens' access to reliable public services by integrating satellite imaging, machine learning, ethnographic fieldwork, and community participation.

While our focus is on research, we are working with partners on the ground to help turn socio-spatial data into useful resources for public information and actionable policy insights for citizens, governments, NGOs and activists.  We aim to use socio-spatial data as a rallying-point to bring state agencies together with advocacy groups to create more equitable, accessible, and livable cities for all - particularly for marginalized citizens.  

Update: We are helping to address the COVID crisis in Delhi. See here for details.

If you are interested in partnering with us, please write us an email to  rajesh.veera(at) georgetown(dot)edu

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