GeoID

Transforming complex location data into simple, anonymous and interoperable identifiers.

GeoID is a free and open-source solution developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to convert a location geometry into a fixed-size anonymous identifier. This lets users share a plot identity without exposing raw GPS coordinates.

GeoID is developed under the AIM4Commodities programme - Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests and Commodities.

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Key Features

Anonymity: It allows users to share a plot location without exposing the raw GPS coordinates.
Compatibility: Supports points, polygons, and multipolygons
DPI Integration: GeoID acts as the "connective tissue" between field data collection (Open Foris Ground) and deforestation risk analysis (Whisp)
Open Standards: Fully OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) compliant and hosted within the FAO architecture
Transparent Supply Chains: Enables consistent plot identification across supply-chain actors and systems without requiring the exchange of raw coordinates.
Open-source: all code is available on GitHub

GeoID in Action

GeoID can support use cases such as traceability, forest and land monitoring, and field data collection, particularly where location information needs to be referenced or exchanged across different systems and organizations without sharing the underlying geolocation itself. Instead, the GeoID can be exchanged as an anonymous identifier along the workflow or traceability chain.
One example of how GeoID can be used:
1. Geolocate a plot using Open Foris Ground
2. Assign a GeoID
3. Conduct an Open Foris Whisp analysis
4. Share the unique GeoID along the traceability chain
GeoID can also be integrated into other FAO solutions and third-party systems, providing a common location reference across different applications and workflows.

Digital Public Good & Interoperability

GeoID is designed as a reusable and interoperable digital building block , based on open standards and accessible through an API, allowing it to be integrated into different digital infrastructures without dependency on a specific platform or system.
GeoID has also been submitted for certification as a Digital Public Good (DPG) under the Digital Public Goods Standard.

Digital Public Infrastructure prototype

What is a Digital Public Infrastructure?
A set of technology building blocks powered by interoperable open standards/specifications operated under a set of enabling rules with open, transparent, and participatory governance to drive innovation, inclusion, and competition at scale.