Organization: UN Institute for Training and Research
Registration deadline: 30 Nov 2015
Starting date: 29 Feb 2016
Ending date: 11 Mar 2016
Course Background
When disasters strike, the first thing the international early response community needs is information: What has happened, where did it happen, what is the effect, what response is needed? Not only can satellite imagery taken immediately after an event like an earthquake or tropical cyclone show what has happened through images of destroyed infrastructure or flood surge, but with their inherent geo-coding, one can tell immediately where the event took place and the extent of the disaster. This is key information for an efficient planning and coordination of emergency response operations.
The aim of the course is to enable participants to work with basic GIS tools and methodologies in preparation of disaster related maps in support of emergency response operations.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
· Define and describe basic concepts and terminology related to geospatial information technology
· Apply basic methods and functionalities of GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS) to manage and analyse spatial data
· Explain the role of Geo-information in the response phase of a disaster
· Undertake the process of map-making in support of emergency response operations
· Identify, search, collect, organize and analyse geospatial related information including GIS data
· Apply basic GIS methodologies to perform impact analysis and preliminary damage assessment in the immediate aftermath of a disaster
Course Content
The course is focused on providing insight into various tools available in GIS for situation mapping. Emphasis will be given to understand the concept of GIS and its integration in disaster situations. A central part of the course involves collecting pre and post disaster baseline data from web sources, preparing, and analysing and creating situation maps to support emergency response. Hands on experience with the field data collection tools like GPS, PDA and UAV will also be part of the course.
Structure and Methodology
This is a full-time, face-to-face course with lectures and GIS lab exercises using datasets from past disasters (80% lab exercises, 20% lectures and discussions). The course is divided into 10 Modules offered over a two weeks period. Each module is structured into 4 sessions of 1.5 hour each. The average workload per week is likely to be around 25-30 hours.
Target Audience
Professionals working in DRM / DRR with experience in humanitarian assistance who wish to strengthen their practical skills in GIS/RS applications for emergency response.
It is mandatory for the course that participants have a working knowledge of English and possibly a basic knowledge of GIS and RS.
Certificate
Participants will be given a UN certificate from UNITAR on successful completion of the course.
Training Venue and Housing
The training will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 29 February to 11 March, 2016.
Participants are expected to cover their own expenses pertaining to travel, housing and meals in Geneva.
Institution
The “Geo-Information in Disaster Situations” course is offered by UNITAR/UNOSAT in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen’s Master of Disaster Management Programme.
Software
The GIS lab exercises will be based on ESRI ArcGIS editor 10.2 with extensions (spatial analyst), Google Earth and internet access.
Participants MUST bring their own windows laptops able to run ArcGIS software, for use during the entire duration for the course.
Contact Details
For enquiries, please send us an e-mail at: unosat@unitar.org
For more information on the course, please visit our website at: www.unitar.org/unosat
View participants’ feedback from the past course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27ZkqnhNUBI
How to register:
To apply for the course, please ensure that you complete the online application available online at: https://www.unitar.org/event/node/323625 by the deadline: 30 November, 2015. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Participation in this course is subjected to the payment of a tuition fee of USD 2200. Selected participants MUST complete their fee payment by 08 January, 2016.
Bank transfer charges are to be borne by the participant and must be added on top of the indicated course fee.