Developing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Training Curriculum for Emergency Management Restricted; Files Only
Adounvo, Sandra (Spring 2023)
Published
Abstract
Background: Emergencies are projected to increase in frequency and complexity in the coming decades, posing significant challenges for LMICs, including risks to public health, safety, and recovery costs. As a result, effective emergency management is crucial to mitigate the impact of these emergencies. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) plays a critical role in supporting emergency personnel by providing accurate and timely information for decision-making. However, there is a notable lack of specialized GIS training programs for LMIC emergency personnel, which poses a risk to vulnerable groups and the effectiveness of emergency management efforts.
Purpose: This project aimed to develop an open-access GIS Training Curriculum for Emergency Management, specifically designed for current and future emergency relief workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The curriculum focuses on mapping and analytic analysis skills, aiming to address the GIS skills gap and contribute to the professional development of emergency relief workers and GIS officers worldwide.
Methods: The need for an open-access GIS training curriculum for emergency management was identified through a systematic review of trends and gaps in applications of GIS during emergencies. The curriculum was developed using the ADDIE model of Instructional Design and Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory, with input from two public health professors with expertise in GIS and curriculum development.
Results: A total of 36 articles were reviewed, with 24 specifically addressing current applications of GIS during emergencies. Out of these 24 articles, 11 discussed the use of GIS for cartographic and humanitarian logistics, while the remaining articles explored more complex analyses utilizing GIS. The identified gaps in GIS applications during emergencies include limited use of GIS in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the need for multivariate spatial analyses, and the need for further validation and comparison of GIS methods. The developed curriculum consists of four modules, pre/posttests, labs, and external resources.
Discussion: Efforts should be made to implement and evaluate this curriculum in LMICs. The curriculum should be adapted for advanced professionals in LMICs. Further research is needed to validate and compare GIS methods and models currently used in emergencies to support increased GIS utilization.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................1
Introduction and Significance ................................................................................................... 1
Problem Statement................................................................................................................... 2
Purpose Statement................................................................................................................... 2
Objectives................................................................................................................................ 3
Chapter 2: Literature Review ......................................................................................................4
Introduction............................................................................................................................. 4
Methods................................................................................................................................... 4
Defining GIS Applications During Emergencies ........................................................................... 6
Coordination of Geospatial Technologies During Emergencies...................................................... 7
Requirements and Preconditions for Applications of GIS During Emergencies............................... 11
Current Applications of GIS During Emergencies ........................................................................ 18
Gaps in Applications of GIS During Emergencies ........................................................................ 25
Conclusion............................................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 3: Methods...................................................................................................................29
Justification for Curriculum ...................................................................................................... 29
Training Curriculum Development ............................................................................................ 31
IRB Approval ........................................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 4: Results ....................................................................................................................32
Overview................................................................................................................................. 32
Chapter 5: Discussion .............................................................................................................. 34
Strengths ................................................................................................................................ 34
Limitations ............................................................................................................................. 34
Recommendations................................................................................................................... 35
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................. 36
Appendix: GIS Training Curriculum for Emergency Management.................................................42
Module 1................................................................................................................................. 44
Module 2................................................................................................................................. 63
Module 3................................................................................................................................. 82
Module 4............................................................................................................................... 111
About this Master's Thesis
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File download under embargo until 18 May 2025 | 2023-04-24 11:14:42 -0400 | File download under embargo until 18 May 2025 |
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