Data Sources & Methodology
Transparency is fundamental to our mission. Here you'll find detailed information about our data sources, collection methods, and how we verify information.
Our Methodology
Data Collection
We aggregate data from multiple verified sources using their official APIs and public datasets. All data is collected programmatically to ensure consistency.
Processing
Raw data is normalized, deduplicated, and enriched with geographic information. We cross-reference events across sources where possible.
Verification
We rely on sources that have their own verification processes. Our role is to aggregate and visualize, not to independently verify each event.
Primary Data Sources
Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project
Peer-reviewed academic methodology; used by UN, World Bank, and major research institutions.
ACLED collects real-time data on political violence and protest events worldwide. Their Ukraine dataset includes detailed information on battles, explosions/remote violence, violence against civilians, and strategic developments.
Event data, geographic coordinates, fatality estimates
Weekly updates
February 2022 - Present
ACLED researchers monitor thousands of sources including local and international news, NGO and IO reports, and social media to identify and code conflict events.
Oryx OSINT Equipment Tracking
Photo-verified per-entry — gold standard for equipment loss tracking. Cited by NATO analysts.
Oryx documents military equipment losses using open-source intelligence. Each piece of equipment is individually verified through photographic or video evidence.
Equipment losses (destroyed, damaged, captured, abandoned)
Continuous updates
February 2022 - Present
Every loss is verified with visual evidence. Equipment is categorized by type, model, and status (destroyed, damaged, captured, or abandoned).
UN Refugee Agency
Official UN agency with legal mandate; data collected via formal registration systems.
The UN Refugee Agency provides official statistics on refugees fleeing Ukraine and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Refugee numbers by country, IDP statistics
Weekly updates
February 2022 - Present
Data is collected through border crossings, registration systems, and coordination with host country governments.
Fire Information for Resource Management System
Science-grade satellite data. Note: not all thermal anomalies are conflict-related; requires filtering.
Satellite-based fire detection system that can identify active fires and thermal anomalies, useful for tracking explosions and burning equipment.
Satellite fire detections, thermal anomalies
Near real-time (3-4 hours)
Continuous global coverage
Uses MODIS and VIIRS satellite instruments to detect thermal anomalies with approximately 1km resolution.
Institute for the Study of War
Respected think-tank; analysis may reflect US policy perspectives. Maps are widely cited.
Provides daily situation reports and analysis of Russian military operations in Ukraine, including control of terrain assessments.
Daily situation reports, control maps, analysis
Daily updates
February 2022 - Present
Expert analysis combining open-source intelligence, official statements, and military expertise.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
UN field-verified data; acknowledged to be a conservative minimum due to access limitations.
Coordinates humanitarian response and provides data on civilian casualties, humanitarian needs, and aid delivery.
Civilian casualties, humanitarian situation reports
Regular updates
February 2022 - Present
Official UN data collection through field offices and partner organizations.
Limitations & Disclaimers
- ⚠️Fog of war: In active conflict zones, not all events are reported or documented. Our data represents documented incidents, not total events.
- ⚠️Reporting delays: There may be delays between when an event occurs and when it appears in our data, especially for remote areas.
- ⚠️Casualty figures: Casualty numbers are estimates and may be revised as more information becomes available.
- ⚠️Equipment losses: Only visually confirmed losses are counted, actual losses may be higher for both sides.
- ⚠️Not official: This is an independent project and is not affiliated with any government or military organization.
Data Access
We believe in open data. All the data displayed on this website is available for download in JSON format for non-commercial research purposes.
Please cite this website and the original data sources when using our data.
Contact & Corrections
If you notice any errors in our data or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us. We take accuracy seriously and will investigate all reported issues.
Email: contact@ukraine-war-analytics.online