Ontheground

ontheground is a global information initiative that collects and disseminates on-the-ground reporting from field-based reporters, NGOs, and community observers. It emphasizes eyewitness accounts, geotagged media, and situational updates during crises, humanitarian operations, and environmental events.

The project aggregates contributions through a network of volunteers and professional journalists using mobile reporting tools and a web platform. Content includes text updates, photos, videos, maps, and metadata, with an emphasis on direct, unfiltered perspectives where safety permits.

Verification and ethics: The platform applies a multi-source verification workflow, cross-referencing accounts with official sources, satellite imagery, and NGO data. It maintains clear privacy and consent policies to protect contributors, including anonymization where required, and follows data protection standards.

Governance and licensing: ontheground operates with an editorial board and community guidelines, with content offered under open licenses to enable reuse by researchers, media, and humanitarian groups. It aims for transparent provenance, including contributor credits and revision histories.

Reception and impact: Supporters credit the platform with accelerating situational awareness and accountability in crises; critics warn of risks to reporters and potential for misinformation during rapidly unfolding events. The project emphasizes ongoing training, safety, and collaboration with local communities.