Introduction

In the face of complex humanitarian crises, rapid and accurate spatial information is critical for effective response, resource allocation, and damage assessment. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Remote Sensing for Humanitarian Mapping provide powerful tools to visualize, analyze, and interpret geographic data, transforming raw information into actionable insights for humanitarians. These technologies allow for the remote monitoring of affected areas, assessment of needs, tracking of displaced populations, and optimization of logistics, especially in challenging or inaccessible environments. By leveraging the power of spatial data, humanitarian organizations can significantly improve situational awareness, enhance decision-making, and ultimately deliver more targeted and efficient aid to those most in need. Without the mastery of GIS and Remote Sensing for Humanitarian Mapping, responders risk operating with incomplete information, leading to suboptimal interventions and a reduced capacity to alleviate suffering effectively. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master GIS and Remote Sensing for Humanitarian Mapping.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower humanitarian aid workers, emergency responders, data analysts, program managers, and GIS specialists with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical skills necessary to utilize GIS and Remote Sensing for Humanitarian Mapping. Participants will gain a deep understanding of geospatial data principles, explore various data acquisition methods including satellite imagery and drone data, and acquire skills in spatial analysis, cartography, and web mapping. The course will delve into topics such as rapid damage assessment, vulnerability mapping, logistics optimization, early warning systems, mobile data collection, and ethical data handling in sensitive contexts. By mastering the principles and practical application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Humanitarian Mapping, participants will be prepared to enhance their organization's operational efficiency, improve targeting of interventions, and provide compelling visual evidence of impact, contributing to more effective and data-driven humanitarian action.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Humanitarian Aid Workers and Field Staff
• Emergency Response Personnel
• Disaster Risk Reduction Specialists
• Program Managers and Coordinators
• Data Analysts and Information Management Officers
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
• Public Health Professionals
• Logistics and Supply Chain Managers
• Cartographers and GIS Technicians
• Civil Society Organization (CSO) staff involved in data collection.

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of GIS and Remote Sensing and their relevance to humanitarian aid.
• Learn about various types of geospatial data and their sources for humanitarian mapping.
• Acquire skills in acquiring, processing, and managing spatial data for emergency contexts.
• Comprehend techniques for performing essential spatial analysis for needs and vulnerability assessments.
• Explore strategies for creating clear, effective, and compelling humanitarian maps.
• Understand the use of satellite imagery and drone data for rapid damage assessment and monitoring.
• Gain insights into leveraging mobile data collection tools for real-time situational awareness.
• Develop a practical understanding of ethical considerations and data privacy in humanitarian mapping.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing in Humanitarian Contexts

• Defining GIS and Remote Sensing: Core concepts and their intersection.
• The critical role of geospatial data in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Overview of typical GIS workflows in humanitarian operations: data acquisition, management, analysis, visualization.
• Open-source vs. proprietary GIS software: advantages and disadvantages.
• Case studies of successful GIS and Remote Sensing applications in past humanitarian crises.

Module 2: Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management

• Types of geospatial data: vector (points, lines, polygons) and raster (imagery).
• Data sources for humanitarian mapping: open-source platforms, government data, crowdsourcing.
• Principles of spatial database design for humanitarian projects.
• Geocoding: converting addresses and place names to geographic coordinates.
• Data quality, accuracy, and cleaning techniques for diverse humanitarian datasets.

Module 3: Introduction to Remote Sensing for Humanitarian Applications

• Principles of remote sensing: how satellites and drones collect data.
• Types of satellite imagery: optical, radar, spectral.
• Applications of satellite imagery in humanitarian contexts: damage assessment, displacement monitoring, land use change.
• Basic image interpretation techniques: identifying features, land cover classification.
• Introduction to drone mapping and its use in rapid assessments.

Module 4: Spatial Analysis for Humanitarian Needs Assessment

• Performing fundamental spatial analysis operations: buffering, clipping, dissolving, merging.
• Overlay analysis for combining multiple spatial layers (e.g., population density with flood zones).
• Proximity analysis for assessing access to services (e.g., healthcare, water points).
• Mapping vulnerability and risk: identifying populations most at risk.
• Using spatial statistics to understand patterns and trends in humanitarian data.

Module 5: Cartography and Map Production for Humanitarian Reporting

• Principles of effective cartography: map design for clarity and impact.
• Designing map layouts: integrating titles, legends, scale bars, north arrows, and data sources.
• Thematic mapping: visualizing program reach, gaps, and impact.
• Creating compelling maps for reports, presentations, and decision-making.
• Exporting maps for various outputs: print, web, and interactive dashboards.

Module 6: Mobile Data Collection and Field Mapping

• Overview of mobile data collection tools (e.g., ODK, KoBoToolbox, Survey123).
• Designing digital forms for geospatial data collection in the field.
• Using GPS devices and smartphone applications for accurate location capture.
• Real-time data synchronization and situational awareness.
• Best practices for field data collection in challenging environments.

Module 7: Advanced Applications: Early Warning & Logistics

• Utilizing GIS and Remote Sensing for early warning systems (e.g., flood prediction, drought monitoring).
• Mapping and monitoring population movements and displacement (IDPs, refugees).
• Optimizing logistics and supply chain management: mapping infrastructure, aid distribution points.
• Damage and needs assessment after disasters using geospatial analysis.
• Supporting emergency coordination and common operational picture development.

Module 8: Ethical Considerations, Data Privacy, and Future Trends

• Ethical implications of using geospatial data in sensitive humanitarian operations.
• Data privacy and protection principles in location-based data.
• Informed consent and responsible data sharing practices.
• Emerging trends in humanitarian mapping: AI/Machine Learning, crowd-sourcing, big data.
• Building sustainable geospatial capacity within humanitarian organizations.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.