The rapid population growth and urbanization combined with extreme climatic events are causing a swift increase in vulnerability of communities to hazardous events. Unplanned growth both in urban and non-urban areas calls for preparation to reduce the impact of disasters, and there is a great need to utilize disaster risk information in designing effective coping mechanisms.

Disaster risk information is spatial in nature and geographic information systems (GIS) play an important role in disaster risk assessment and management. There is a need to create awareness among disaster management professionals regarding the importance of utilizing GIS.

The curriculum for this course has been re-designed jointly by ADPC, Asian Institute of Technology, the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation of the University of Twente, Netherlands, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research's Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNITAR-UNOSAT), with the aim of providing an overview of the use of spatial information in disaster risk management.

The course not only explains what spatial data is and how it is collected, but also emphasizes on the use of the data during pre- and post-disaster management such as in early warning systems and hazard-, vulnerability-, risk-, and damage assessments as well as in the design of risk reduction measures.

Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

Describe and utilize spatial data, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing in disaster risk assessment and management

Utilize existing sources of historical disaster information

Apply GIS/remote sensing in hazard, vulnerability, and risk assessment

Utilize risk information in emergency preparedness planning

Visualize hazard and risk information

Apply GIS/remote sensing to post-disaster damage assessment

The ten-day coure is divided into five modules:

Module 1: Core/basic information
Basic concepts and terminologies of disaster management
Basic concepts of geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing
Introduction to spatial information
Handling spatial information (introduction to ArcGIS)

Module 2: Post-disaster impact and damage analysis
The use of satellite imagery for disaster relief and recovery
Impact analysis and preliminary damage assessment
Building damage assessment

Module 3: Pre-disaster risk assessment
Hazard assessment
Elements at risk and vulnerability assessment
Types and methods of risk assessment, risk evaluation, cost–benefit analysis

Module 4: Risk information for risk reduction planning
Risk evaluation
Visualization of risk information
Risk information and spatial planning

Module 5: Mini projects
Note: The above course curriculum is shown for general reference only. ADPC's ongoing course improvement process may lead to some changes in topics and structure.

The course is open to all participants who are working or will be working in the organizations where spatial information is used or considered to be used for the purpose of disaster risk management, disaster management, or disaster risk reduction. There is no prerequisite GIS knowledge for participant who is interested in this course.

The course welcome participants from all geographic areas, however the class size is limited to 30 persons. ADPC accepts nomination on a first come, first served basis provided the applicant meets the course requirement.

Package A with accommodation: USD 3,175
Package B without accommodation: USD 2,275

The standard course fee of USD 3,175 covers the course tuition, training materials, accommodation with breakfast, meeting package, and study visits. Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses and arrangements, airport transfers, visa application, lunch and dinners, health and accident insurance, and other personal expenses.

Participants who wish to seek their own accommodation can choose an alternative course package B.

REGISTRATION
Interested persons can apply as individuals although preference will be given to those sponsored by an organization. The application can be submitted online at www.adpc.net/tsu/sign-in.asp.

For offline application, the completely filled application form should be submitted to ADPC through email, fax or postal mail. The application form can be requested by email from ADPC's administrative team at tsu@adpc.net. Pre-course information will be sent to participants once they have been accepted to the course.

PAYMENT
If you are selected to attend the course, the payment should be transferred to ADPC's account through a bank transfer or International Demand Draft (IDD) not later than 1 October 2016. Otherwise, your participation will be cancelled. Please note that personal checks are not accepted as a form of payment.

CANCELLATION
If you are unable to attend, a substitute applicant is welcome to attend in your place, provided the participation criteria described above have been met. Cancellation of attendance should be notified at least three weeks prior to course commencement; in which case, 15 percent of the course fee will be deducted for banking charges and administrative costs. No refunds are available for cancellation within three weeks prior to course commencement.