Training on Humanitarian Crisis Mapping and Geospatial Analysis

Module 1: Geospatial Analysis in Humanitarian Response

• The role of mapping and geospatial analysis in humanitarian action.

• Key applications: situational awareness, needs assessment, logistics, security, and monitoring.

• Humanitarian mapping communities: MapAction, HOT (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team), and GISCorps.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze how geospatial analysis was used in a recent humanitarian response, identifying key products and their impact on decision-making.

Module 2: Introduction to GIS for Humanitarian Contexts

• Basic GIS concepts: coordinate systems, projections, and data models (raster and vector).

• Open-source and commercial GIS software: QGIS, ArcGIS, and online platforms.

• Key data sources: OpenStreetMap, satellite imagery, and administrative boundaries.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Navigate QGIS interface, add base layers (roads, settlements, administrative boundaries), and create a basic location map.

Module 3: Remote Sensing and Satellite Imagery

• Types of satellite imagery: optical, radar, and thermal.

• Sources of free and commercial imagery: Sentinel, Landsat, Planet, and MAXAR.

• Pre- and post-disaster image comparison for damage assessment.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Access satellite imagery for a disaster-affected area, compare pre- and post-event images, and identify damaged infrastructure.

Module 4: Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Mapping

• Using remote sensing for rapid damage assessment (building damage, infrastructure).

• Integrating field data with satellite imagery.

• Mapping population distribution and vulnerable areas.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct a rapid damage assessment for a flood-affected area using satellite imagery and produce a damage severity map.

Module 5: Logistics and Route Planning with GIS

• Mapping road networks, bridges, and infrastructure status.

• Route planning for humanitarian convoys: distance, travel time, and security constraints.

• Identifying logistics hubs, warehouses, and distribution points.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Use GIS to plan the most efficient route for a humanitarian convoy from a warehouse to multiple distribution points, considering road damage and security constraints.

Module 6: Population Estimation and Displacement Mapping

• Estimating affected populations using settlement data and density.

• Mapping displacement: camp locations, informal settlements, and host communities.

• Integrating population data with needs assessment.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Estimate the population in a disaster-affected area using settlement footprint data and population density assumptions, and map potential displacement sites.

Module 7: Security Mapping and Situational Awareness

• Mapping security incidents, access constraints, and risk zones.

• Creating security situation maps for humanitarian staff.

• Integrating real-time incident reporting into GIS.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Create a security situation map for a humanitarian operation, including incident locations, access restrictions, and risk zones.

Module 8: Field Data Collection and Mobile GIS

• Using mobile devices for field data collection (GPS, ODK, Kobo, and mobile GIS apps).

• Collecting georeferenced data on needs, damage, and access.

• Integrating field data with satellite and administrative data.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a mobile data collection form for a rapid needs assessment, including geolocation, and simulate data collection and integration into GIS.

Module 9: Producing Maps for Humanitarian Decision-Making

• Map design principles for humanitarian audiences: clarity, accuracy, and relevance.

• Types of maps: reference maps, thematic maps, and situational awareness maps.

• Adding scale bars, north arrows, legends, and metadata.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Produce a professional-quality map for a humanitarian response, including base data, thematic layers, and appropriate cartographic elements.

Module 10: Information Management and Coordination

• Humanitarian information management frameworks and standards.

• Sharing geospatial data within clusters and coordination mechanisms.

• Common operational datasets (CODs) and fundamental operational datasets (FODs).

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop an information management plan for a humanitarian response, including data sharing protocols, map production schedule, and coordination with partners.