Digital mapping project at refugee camps aims to improve conditions 

Research was undertaken by the University of Bradford and Yarmouk University in Jordan, using digital tools to tackle urgent challenges related to infrastructure and sustainable housing at refugee camps in Jordan and South Africa. 

  

Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the projects focused on the so-called Water-Energy-Food-Environment (WEFE) nexus. The idea behind the project is to share ideas, information and personal stories, to create a body of work that can be expanded upon with the ultimate goal of influencing policymakers. 

The Communituy Mapping (CoMAP) project, led by the University of Bradford, worked with young people in Baqa’a refugee camp in Jordan to digitally map their community’s access to water, energy, food, and environmental resources. 

Researchers used tools including OpenStreetMap, a free, editable map of the world made by volunteers, and Kobo Toolbox, used to collect data through surveys, especially in humanitarian and research settings. 

The team also trained young people to gather and interpret data from older residents, acting as a bridge between generations and empowering communities to shape their own futures. 

“This project is about empowering people with the tools to share their own stories and actively shape the decisions that impact their lives” said Dr Victoria Cotella, Visiting Researcher from the team leader, who played a leading role in shaping the project’s participatory approach. “It’s not just about data, it’s about dignity, voice, and inclusion.” 

The project was delivered in partnership with Jordan’s Royal Scientific Society and Applied Science Private University, creating a model that could be replicated in other refugee settings. 

The second project, Sustainable, Innovative, Affordable, and Net-Positive (SIAH-NP) housing solutions, was led by the University of Bradford in collaboration with partners including the Yarmouk University (Jordan), Applied Sciences Private University (Jordan) and the University of the West of England (UK). 

It focused on designing housing for communities vulnerable to climate change and displacement in Jordan and South Africa. 

Researchers developed a framework for homes that not only reduces environmental impact but also generates social and economic value. 

“We’re not just designing buildings, we’re designing resilience,” said Professor Iqbal Mujtaba from the University of Bradford, who contributed to both projects. “These homes are built to adapt, to support communities, and to thrive in the face of uncertainty.” 

Both projects were celebrated at a joint event in Amman, Jordan, where young participants from Baqa’a camp presented their work to stakeholders including the Palestinian Affairs Department, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), local universities, and government officials. 

Both initiatives were expanded through a series of knowledge exchange workshops, including a collaboration with Ankara University, hosted by Professor Harun Tanrıvermiş, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Department of Real Estate Development and Management for further project up-scaling. 

“What makes these projects special is the collaboration, across countries, disciplines, and generations,” added Dr Cotella. “It’s a blueprint for how research can make a real difference. 

“Together, CoMAP and SIAH-NP show how digital tools, community engagement, and sustainable design can work hand-in-hand to address some of the most complex challenges of our time.” 

Both were supported by Professor Ciprian Daniel Neagu, from the University of Bradford's School of Computer Science, AI and Electronics.