GIS Application in Disaster Risk Reduction Course

Introduction

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have improved prospects for solving technical problems through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for hazard mapping and modeling, the use of web-based data sources to facilitate research on disaster management and the use of searchable databases for hazard information. Not all Caribbean countries, however, have been able to fully utilize these opportunities. This course aims to impart practical skills on how to use GIS, to overcome the major challenges faced in all phases of disaster management.

Objective

Upon completion of the training, the participants will be able to describe and utilize spatial data through manipulating it in the phases of pre disaster, during disaster and post disaster.

Organizational Benefits

Enhanced decision-making: GIS (Geographic Information System) allows organizations to analyze, visualize, and interpret spatial data related to disaster risk reduction. By acquiring GIS skills, organizations can make informed decisions based on comprehensive geospatial information. This can lead to more effective planning, resource allocation, and response strategies in disaster situations.
Improved risk assessment and mitigation: GIS enables organizations to assess and understand various risks associated with natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires. By overlaying different layers of data, such as population density, infrastructure, and environmental factors, organizations can identify vulnerable areas and prioritize their mitigation efforts accordingly.
Efficient resource allocation: GIS can help organizations optimize the allocation of resources during disaster response and recovery phases. By mapping affected areas, population distribution, and critical infrastructure, organizations can allocate resources such as emergency supplies, medical facilities, and personnel more efficiently, reducing response time and enhancing effectiveness.
Collaborative planning and coordination: GIS promotes collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction. By sharing geospatial data and analysis results, organizations, government agencies, and communities can work together to develop comprehensive disaster management plans, identify evacuation routes, establish communication networks, and coordinate response efforts.
Enhanced situational awareness: GIS provides real-time mapping and visualization capabilities, allowing organizations to monitor and track the progression of a disaster event. By integrating data from various sources, including remote sensing, weather stations, and social media, organizations can gain a holistic view of the situation and respond proactively to changing circumstances.
Effective communication and public awareness: GIS-based maps and visualizations can simplify complex information and make it more accessible to both decision-makers and the general public. By using GIS, organizations can create interactive maps, infographics, and web-based applications to communicate evacuation routes, hazard zones, and emergency contacts. This helps raise public awareness, improve preparedness, and facilitate community engagement.

Who Should Attend

The GIS Application in Disaster Risk Reduction course is designed for professionals and individuals who work or have an interest in the field of disaster risk reduction and management. The course is particularly relevant for the following participants:

Disaster Management Professionals
GIS Specialists:
Urban and Regional Planners:
Environmental and Natural Resource Managers
Government and NGO Professionals
Researchers and Academics
Students and Graduates

Duration

5 – 10 days

However, the duration can be adjusted based on the specific needs and pace of the participants.

Course Outline

Disaster Management Concepts and Institutional Framework

Basic GIS concepts and terminologies in the context of disaster management.
International and Regional Protocols and action plans relating to disaster risk management.
Introduction to spatial information

Introduction to Geoinformatics, GIS data sources, and data collection

Geographic Information System
Data sources for DRM
Data collection using Global Positioning Systems
Data collection using Mobile Data Collection (ODK)
Introducing GIS functions using QGIS
Preparation of Earthquake Hazard Map

Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk assessment with QGIS

Types and methods of risk assessment, risk evaluation, vulnerability analysis.
Spatial data preparation and GIS integration techniques in Microsoft Excel
Use of GIS in disaster preparedness planning.
Elements at risk, hazard and vulnerability assessment using GIS.
GIS Multi criteria analysis in vulnerability assessment.
Group discussion: How can GIS and RS be used to map existing buildings, infrastructure, land use and critical facilities located in potential hazard areas.

Application of Risk Information for Risk Reduction Planning

Visualization of risk information Using QGIS
Risk mapping and database generation using QGIS
Exercise: Creating a risk map
Discussion: Use of GIS in the identification of the extent and magnitude of each hazard.

Applications of Geoinformation