This paper provides an overview of five applications that use both traditional and novel data sources to generate granular representations of the spatial distribution of poverty. Poverty maps are an increasingly useful tool for evaluation, harnessing new sources of data to improve assessment of the relevance and effectiveness of development interventions.

This paper was produced as part of the Methodological Paper Series sponsored by the Independent Evaluation Group’s Methods Advisory Function. The authors are grateful for the feedback provided by the editor and staff of the Paper Series: Ariya Hagh, Michael Harrup, Maurya West Meiers, and Jos Vaessen. A special thanks to Amanda O’Brien, Rafaela Sarinho, Alexander Hery, and Luísa Ulhoa for their support in editing, production, and graphic design.

Although many people contributed to the preparation of this paper, the findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed are entirely those of the authors and should not be attributed in any manner to the World Bank Group, to members of its Board of Executive Directors, or to the countries they represent.