# A Review of In-Situ and Remote Sensing Technologies to Monitor Water and Sanitation Interventions
## 3 Discussion  
A key challenge in the WASH sector is that of bringing together numerous stakeholders spanning different sectors to consider a multitude of data sets. There is a clear need to ensure the supply of high-quality information and to improve analytical capacity by filling key gaps in WASH data and strengthening data integration across multiple sectors. Today, big data applications stand a chance of helping governments in emerging economies address the myriad social and economic issues that continue to plague these regions. Opening up access to data and improving the transparency of WASH projects will empower consumers to have more fruitful interactions with stakeholders. Collaborative dialogue and efficient tools are sure to provide consumers and governments a way to address social and economic problems [51]. For instance, development organizations are working in partnerships with governments of emerging economies to precisely use big data in producing official statistics, official indicators and report more accurately on SDG targets, including those pertaining to water [52]. The WASH sector, among others, serves as an important source of business value that cuts across multiple industries. This is because WASH sector initiatives, apart from improving the lives of millions, also increase value in manufacturing operations, supply chains, and workforce development, among others. It is important that stakeholders get a clear view of results, if the world's numerous WASH initiatives are to succeed and scale up in the various places they have been deployed. A concerted effort on the part of relevant stakeholders will be required if the full potential of big data is to be realized in global development efforts. For instance, governments need to get involved in regular data collection efforts that are simply inaccessible or extremely difficult for private companies to undertake. These may include but are not limited to censuses, surveys, and other regular sources of information that cover vast areas and large numbers of the general populace. Once these open data initiatives are made available to organizations engaged in big data analysis in global development, those organizations can further tease out any new insights. This requires a shift in paradigms towards the use and capabilities of big data for developing economies. Recent discussion among international development organizations suggests moving away from seeing big data in isolation, but to rather focus on the \"ecosystem\" of big data. According to this concept, big data is not just data, no matter how big or different it is considered to be; big data is first and foremost 'about' the analytics, the tools and methods that are used to yield insights, the frameworks, standards, stakeholders involved and then, knowledge. Moreover, citizen involvement is also crucial if big data initiatives in global development are to succeed. Many citizens are getting involved in monitoring WASH services, and their active participation will go a long way toward opening up interpretations of collected data--and relevant decision making. The pervasiveness of mobile usage in most developing regions can be leveraged in this respect. Access to data empowers citizens to make choices concerning WASH service providers and fiscal decisions--as when presented with the ability to, for example, track their spending on WASH services. The efforts of governments, development organizations, and the private sector have to be properly coordinated to realize potential benefits. Government policies and legal frameworks should adequately protect individuals and corporate entities alike, while development organizations need to constantly demonstrate the public good that big data seeks to offer.