When we go on a road trip, we take along a map to help us get to where we want to go. Well, we’re all trying to get to a world where everyone has enough to eat and the environment is healthy. FAO helps in drawing up the maps that point the way.

One of the most important maps FAO produces is the “Hunger Map,” a map of the world that shows where hunger is most severe. Why don’t you go and have a look at the Hunger Map.

But FAO produces lots of other kinds of maps, too. Some of them show things we’re used to seeing on maps, like mountains, rivers, roads, cities and national borders. But the maps FAO prepares on behalf of its Members also include things like forests, water resources, climate patterns, growing seasons, farming systems, land cover and population. FAO even prepares maps of the world’s oceans and the different aquatic species that live in them.

Maps like these show how agriculture, forestry and fisheries relate to the environment. This information is crucial for agricultural planning.

But making these maps isn’t easy. It requires not just huge quantities of data, but computer technology that can transform raw data into images. To make these maps, FAO uses what it calls Geographic Information Systems. It works with countries to develop national Geographic Information Systems, so that they can create maps to help them find their own path to development.

The view from space

Along with maps, satellite images of the earth’s surface also give us important information about the relationship between food production the environment. Plus they look cool. Digital images provided by satellites can be especially useful after disasters, such as drought, flooding, hurricanes – even locust infestations. They let countries see the extent of the damage and make plans for recovery.

FAO doesn’t have its own satellites, but it helps countries obtain sets of satellite images. It also provides guidance on how to interpret the images and use them for agricultural and environmental planning.

Check out some maps!

If you’re into maps and satellite images why don't you visit FAO’s Country Profiles and Mapping Information System pages. For each country, there is a large selection of interesting and colourful maps.

For more satellite images, visit FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System site. It has satellite images from all regions in the developing world, including the digital maps from countries facing food emergencies.

As a service to its Members and the public, FAO has created GeoNetwork, an online network offering access to a wide range of maps and satellite images from a variety of sources. Go to GeoNetwork.