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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) form a key component
of the core products of an HIC or IMU. The power of GIS
is as a dynamic analytical tool that makes it possible to
combine data from different sources, conduct analysis, and
present information in a way that is easily comprehensible
to people with a non-technical, non-statistical background.
There are however limitations regarding the use of GIS. Where geographic
data is unavailable or poor, there may need to be an
investment by a number of organizations to collect baseline
geographic data (village location, roads, etc). Remote
sensing (such as satellite imaging or aerial photography) is
a highly specialized technical discipline, and to work in
this area, staff must have relevant experience. Where time
is a major factor, there will be a question concerning whether
investment in the development of a GIS will yield results
quickly enough and what interim measures might be used
while a GIS is being developed.
See
 Alternative Mapping
Techniques |
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The HIC has a license to
use ESRI's ArcGIS version 9 GIS software in all HICs and IMUs.
Included on this toolbox are several patches for ArcGIS and several
tools that HIC GIS officers have found to be useful. In
addition there are several open source and
freeware GIS and Image Viewer software that can be freely
distributed. 
ArcGIS 9 Patches
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ArcGIS Tools - several tools that enhance the capabilities of
ArcGIS 9
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DSMapBook
allows for the creation of a
map book or atlas (Darfur Atlas was created using
this tool) |
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XTools Pro 2.1
is 30 day trial license for a compilation of basic
tools that are not standard in ArcGIS9. |
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Free Image Views and GIS Software
All of these programs can be freely
distributed.
These programs are not endorsed by the United
Nations. |
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AGIS
is a simple mapping and GIS
Shareware package. |
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ArcExplorer2
is a lightweight GIS data
viewer developed by ESRI. |
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Global Mapper
is a GIS software that is
optimized for accessing, viewing and converting
spatial data but not for digitizing or editing. |
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Mapmaker Gratis and Mapmaker Pro
is a free map editor and viewer. Pro is a
full function GIS software for approximately $400. |
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Poly Map
is a simple GIS for creating
thematic maps free trial $90 to
purchase. |
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Tatuk
is a free viewer with an extensive
set of GIS editing features. |
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Thuban
is a free open source interactive
geographic data viewer that allows for the creation
of simple maps. |
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UDIG 1.06
is a free open source
user-friendly desktop internet GIS software. |
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ArcReader
is a free mapping application
from ESRI that allows users to view, explore, and
print maps and globes. |
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FW Tools
is a package of open source GIS binaries that
includes: MapServer, a web mapping server; GDAL/OGR
command line libraries for tasks like data
conversion (supports shapefiles, VPF, PostGIS, etc);
reprojection or creating index grids for satellite
imagery; OpenEV, a viewer for vector and raster
data; and Python, a scripting language. |
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Nimamuse
is a simple viewer for VMAP data
(this data can be viewed in most of the other
software as well) |
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VPF View
is a allows
for browsing, displaying and performing spatial queries on NIMA digital
vector data in Vector Product Format (VPF) |
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uDig is both a GeoSpatial application and a platform through which developers can create new, derived applications |
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Coordinate
Tools
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received in several different formats and datums. These
tools will help convert them into a format compatible for GIS.
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Taking "raw" data and making a thematic map can be a
simple process if the data is received in a good format.
Follow the documents below for a quick look at the steps
involved in making a thematic map..
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GIS data comes from many sources.
Often in the early days of an emergency only basic country level
data is available. FIS has worldwide data from:Global Discovery
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Shuttle Radar Topography Mission,
Vector Smart Map (VMAP). Contact FIS for more information and
see the reference section on this page for links to useful
websites Also included on this DVD are
country boundaries from the Second Administrative Level
Boundaries (SALB) project
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GIS
Data Organization
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Organizing GIS data is often very difficult especially in the
often chaotic environment of an HIC. However spending even
a few moments to log metadata and properly file information will
allow for easy retrieval and ensure that no data is "lost".
See
Data Standards for more information on metadata.
Currently the FIS is using two systems to help in the
organization of GIS data.
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Simple Folder Structure
whilst
not "high tech", this
folder structure has been used in three HICs and has
been proven to be very effective at organizing
spatial data by keeping source information in the
folder names. This folder structure should be
used in harmony with GeoNetwork |
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Simple
Folder Structure Outline |
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GeoNetwork
facilitates the consolidation, organization, storage
and distribution of OCHA's geospatial data assets,
such as GIS files and maps. This password-protected
online common geospatial data repository eases the
upload, description, discovery, display and
retrieval of OCHA’s geospatial data resources using
a tool that is increasingly becoming a standard
among UN agencies. Consequently, as a node on the
GeoNetwork network, OCHA staff can also harvest
geospatial data and information from other metadata
catalogs maintained by FAO, WFP, UNEP, WHO, CGIAR
and agencies of a number of member states. |
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http://geonetwork.fao.org/ The GeoNetwork
community website. |
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ESRI site contains numerous useful GIS related publications and
support
Below are a number of general reference
documents for learning about GIS and numerous technical manuals
and guides for ArcGIS software.
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