SDMM12008U Geo Information in Disaster Situations

Volume 2020/2021
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

 

At the end of the course the students must be able to:

 

Knowledge

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

 

Skills

  • Collect various disaster related information including GIS
  • Use basic GIS tools to prepare situation maps

 

Competences

  • Do a preliminary damage assessment after a disaster based on the available spatial information
  • Collect GIS information from web and prepare, analyse and produce maps for a disaster situation
Lectures and exercises
This course is offered by UNITAR/UNOSAT and the Geography Section, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management on the basis of a joint agreement with 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
  • Lectures
  • 30
  • Preparation
  • 16
  • Theory exercises
  • 30
  • Practical exercises
  • 30
  • Exam
  • 32
  • Total
  • 138
Oral
Collective
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)

Joint Oral Feedback is given by a panel after the group presentation.

Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Written assignment consists of 3-4 map deliverables with detailed legend and elements, in which the students demonstrate their GIS skills for situation mapping on a given case.
Further, each group will do an oral presentation to a panel of experts, with reflections around issues regarding the mapping process. Map deliverables and oral presentation are done in a group with a clear stipulation identifying the contributions made by each group member.
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:

Knowledge

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

 

Skills

  • Collect various disaster related information including GIS
  • Use basic GIS tools to prepare situation maps

 

Competences

  • Do a preliminary damage assessment after a disaster based on the available spatial information
  • Collect GIS information from web and prepare, analyse and produce maps for a disaster situation