The MapScaping Podcast - GIS, Geospatial, Remote Sensing, earth observation and digital geography

What is humanitarian GIS?

May 1, 2024

Hugo Powell from immap.org discusses leveraging GIS for rapid decision-making in emergencies. Tools like Kobo Toolbox, ODK Collect, QGIS, Tableau, Power BI, HDX, and HOT are highlighted for data collection, analysis, and visualization. The importance of local knowledge, open-source software, and global connectivity in humanitarian GIS work is emphasized.

47:24

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Hugo Powell

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Quick takeaways

GIS technologies like QGIS and open-source tools play a pivotal role in efficient data collection and analysis for humanitarian operations.

Collaborative platforms like HDX and HOT aid in enhancing data sharing and coordination among humanitarian actors during crises.

Deep dives

The Role of Geospatial in Humanitarian Work

Geospatial professionals play a crucial role in humanitarian efforts by providing essential mapping and data analysis support during crises. This includes managing information rosters with cross-disciplinary experts, deploying them to support activities on the ground, especially within the UN cluster system. Geospatial data plays a key role in understanding and responding effectively to humanitarian disasters.

Harness Crowd Intelligence for Humanitarian Efforts

01:05

Embrace New Paths to Discover Your Purpose

00:53

Humanitarian Response: Balance Technology and Context

01:02

Open Doors Through Joining and Volunteering

01:09

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Role of the Global Surge Team in Humanitarian Information Management

2min

Exploring the Role of Information Management Officers in Humanitarian GIS

3min

Transitioning from Fieldwork in DR Congo to Humanitarian GIS

2min

GIS Deployment in Humanitarian Contexts

21min

GIS Technology in Humanitarian Context: Water Distribution in Rohingya Crisis

16min

Wrapping Up Discussion on Humanitarian GIS with Links and Sponsor Appreciation

2min

Hugo Powell, from immap.org shares his expert insights on how GIS technologies are leveraged to analyze data, visualize scenarios, and facilitate rapid decision-making during emergencies.

Here are the key tools mentioned:

1. **Kobo Toolbox**: An open-source tool used for data collection in humanitarian contexts. Kobo Toolbox allows for both quantitative and qualitative data collection and is operational offline, which is crucial in areas with limited internet connectivity. It supports geospatial data collection and can be used for needs assessments in settings like refugee camps.

2. **ODK Collect**: Similar to Kobo Toolbox, ODK Collect is an open-source mobile application used for field data collection. It is widely used in humanitarian efforts for its ease of use and the capability to work offline.

3. **QGIS**: A free and open-source geographic information system used for viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. Hugo notes that QGIS is core for mapping and data analysis in humanitarian operations.

4. **Tableau and Power BI**: Business intelligence tools mentioned for their use in analyzing and visualizing data. These tools help in making data-driven decisions during humanitarian operations.

5. **Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX)**: An open platform for sharing data across crises and organizations, which helps in avoiding duplication of efforts and enhances coordination among humanitarian actors.

6. **Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)**: Provides crowdsourced geospatial data which is extremely valuable in humanitarian settings for its accuracy and timeliness.

7. **Esri’s Living Atlas and other Esri tools**: While not open-source, Esri’s tools are sometimes used for their comprehensive geospatial data, particularly in natural disaster contexts like earthquakes.

8. **Humanitarian Spatial Data Center**: Managed by IMAP, this tool aggregates and processes data, providing access to data, analytics, and visualization tools all in one place. It has been particularly successful in deployments like Afghanistan.

This episode was sponsored by scribblemaps.com

https://youtu.be/CDkG9eS6H2M

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