Welcome to “Introduction to Open Geospatial Data for Disaster Resilience”: a 6-week blended learning course designed as a component of the PEGASuS Project that leverages participatory mapping, open geospatial data, and digital tools to strengthen disaster risk reduction and resilience in the Caribbean. The goal of this training initiative is to empower stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, and to enhance the capacity of communities and institutions to anticipate risks and act effectively, ultimately contributing to more resilient and adaptive societies..
This course will deliver essential skills in GIS, open geospatial data, and disaster risk mapping, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning. Participants will engage with a variety of tools, including QGIS, OpenStreetMap (OSM), and KoBoToolbox to actively collect and upload mapping data from both remote and field-based sources
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain the business value of Geospatial Data
- Understand Mapping concepts
- Collect Geospatial data using mobile devices
- Upload and Edit Geospatial data in Openstreetmap
- Demonstrate techniques for visualizing Geospatial Data
- Apply the learned techniques to Interactive Community Mapping
Who is this course for?
The design of this training program specifically targets post-secondary participants with exposure to digital tools, recognizing their strong potential for deeper technical training and leadership in peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
The course will provide a virtual community to work in, that includes other participants like yourself, your course facilitator, and potential mentors that will be an invaluable source of information, knowledge sharing, and creative ideas. We encourage you to participate in the discussions and activities which will be one of the most valuable things this course has to offer
What do I need to know?
Participants should have completed the CSOD Basic digital skills Program, or equivalent digital skills training
Structure of the Course
This course is broken down into four (4) modules, namely:
- Module 1 – Understanding the Value of Geospatial Data in Disaster Risk Response & Responsibility: introduces participants to the fundamentals of geospatial data and its role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience planning.
- Module 2 – Mapping Concepts and Open Geospatial Data Contribution: introduces the fundamentals of geospatial data and equips participants with the skills to contribute to OpenStreetMap (OSM) using key editing tools.
- Module 3 – Interactive Community Mapping – Tools & Techniques: provides participants with knowledge on the tools and techniques for mapping a local community
- Module 4 – Visualizing Geospatial Data using maps: provides participants with an overview of geospatial data visualization principles and open-source tools that can be utilized to generate web maps
