TEMP0154XX Geo Information in Disaster Situations

Volume 2013/2014
Education
Master's Programme in Disaster Management
Content

The course is focused on providing insight into various tools available in GIS for situation mapping. Focus is given to understand the concept of GIS and its integration in disaster situations. A central part of the course is the case which involves collecting information and GIS data from web sources, as well as preparing, analyzing and creating situation maps for a disaster prone city. Hands-on experience with the field data collection tools like GPS and PDA will also be part of the course. The students will work with the case throughout the course.

Learning Outcome

The aim of the course is to prepare the students so that they are able to work with basic GIS tools in preparation of situation maps.

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

  • understand the role of Geo information in the response phase of a disaster

  • be able to collect various disaster related information including GIS

  • be able to use basic GIS tools to prepare situation maps

  • be able to do a preliminary damage assessment after a disaster based on the available spatial information

  • be able to collect GIS information from web and prepare, analyze and produce maps for a disaster situation

Lectures and exercises
This course is offered by UNITAR/UNOSAT on the basis of a joint agreement with Copenhagen School of Global Health, University of Copenhagen as part of the programme Master of Disaster Management.

The course takes place in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 32
  • Lectures
  • 50
  • Practical exercises
  • 6
  • Preparation
  • 16
  • Theory exercises
  • 34
  • Total
  • 138
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
The examination is based upon assessment of a written individual report accompanied with presentable maps in which the students present their GIS skills for situation mapping in a given case, as well as their reflections around issues raised by the course management regarding the process. Parts of the report can be written in cooperation with other students that belong to the same case group.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More than one internal examiner
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to:

  • understand the role of Geo information in the response phase of a disaster

  • be able to collect various disaster related information including GIS

  • be able to use basic GIS tools to prepare situation maps

  • be able to do a preliminary damage assessment after a disaster based on the available spatial information

  • be able to collect GIS information from web and prepare, analyze and produce maps for a disaster situation