GIS Application In Disaster Risk Reduction Course

Harnessing ICTs and GIS for Disaster Management

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have significantly enhanced the ability to tackle technical challenges through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for hazard mapping and modeling. These advancements also leverage web-based data sources to facilitate research on disaster management and utilize searchable databases to access hazard information. However, not all Caribbean countries have fully capitalized on these opportunities. This course is designed to impart practical skills on how to use GIS to overcome major challenges in all phases of disaster management.

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how GIS can be applied to disaster management. Participants will gain skills to work with spatial data effectively during pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster stages. The goal is to empower professionals with practical GIS skills to enhance disaster risk management capabilities.

Target Audience 

This training is intended for professionals working in development sectors, particularly those involved in Disaster Risk Management (DRM). If you aim to strengthen your GIS skills and apply them in disaster management, this course is perfect for you.

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe and utilize spatial data effectively in all disaster management phases.
• Develop practical skills in GIS for preparing hazard maps and conducting risk assessments.
• Employ various data collection methods, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Mobile Data Collection tools like Open Data Kit (ODK).
• Apply GIS functions using QGIS for comprehensive disaster preparedness planning.

Course Outline 

Disaster Management Concepts and Institutional Framework

• Basic GIS Concepts: Learn essential terminologies in the context of disaster management.
• International Protocols: Understand regional action plans related to disaster risk management.

Introduction to Spatial Information

• Geoinformatics and GIS Data Sources: Collect and analyze data for effective DRM.
• Data Collection Techniques: Implement GPS and mobile tools for efficient data gathering.

GIS in Practice

• Introducing QGIS: Hands-on experience with GIS functions.
• Earthquake Hazard Mapping: Develop and analyze earthquake hazard maps.
• Vulnerability and Risk Assessment: Execute assessments using QGIS.

Advanced GIS Applications

• GIS Integration Techniques: Utilize Microsoft Excel for spatial data preparation and integration.
• Multi-Criteria Analysis: Conduct vulnerability assessments using GIS.
• Risk Information Application: Visualize and map risk data with QGIS.

Real-World Applications

• Case Studies: Investigate examples of disaster management and emergency response.
• Public Participatory GIS: Engage communities in crisis mapping with tools like Ushahidi.
• Flood Mapping: Perform flood inundation mapping and preliminary damage assessments.

This course offers both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Participants will engage in creating risk maps and identifying the extent and magnitude of hazards using GIS