Using geoinformation for anticipatory action frameworks: a technical training workshop in Pakistan
Anticipatory action involves taking proactive steps before a hazard occurs, which helps to mitigate its effects and optimize the use of resources. Geographic information – often called ‘geoinformation’ – plays a critical role in this process by providing a clear, data-driven picture of where the risks are highest and which areas are most vulnerable to hazards such as droughts, cyclones and floods. For example, geoinformation can support the creation of early warning systems, help to identify safe evacuation routes, or be used to ensure resources are allocated and distributed efficiently before a hazard strikes.
HeiGIT (the Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology) is currently providing technical support in flood-risk assessment to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the German Red Cross. This includes the collection and review of geographic data on flood risks, which will help the two National Societies to develop an early action protocol for floods. To ensure that this is targeted and effective against flood risks, HeiGIT is also collaborating with local stakeholders and providing training in how to use region-specific geoinformation.
Incorporating local perspectives in risk assessments
A recent workshop in Pakistan, led by HeiGIT, brought together 35 stakeholders from different sectors to strengthen their capacity in disaster risk management, particularly through the analysis of geoinformation. The participants included representatives from national and provincial disaster-management authorities, including the National Disaster Management Authority, the Federal Flood Commission and provincial irrigation departments.
The first part of the workshop sought to gather the various perspectives on flood risks in the Indus River Basin. This laid the foundation for introducing HeiGIT’s risk assessment methodology, which defines risk through three dimensions: (1) exposure; (2) vulnerability; and (3) coping capacity. Each of these dimensions draws upon specific indicators and data sources, which are defined and calculated based on the data available and the inputs of partners.
These are then prioritized using a method known as the Analytical Hierarchy Process, through which participants vote on the relative importance of each indicator. The process includes direct exchange between the participants to clarify complex concepts, while also providing the necessary background knowledge and detailed explanations of the indicators being assessed.
The face-to-face format enabled a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise among these stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving. For example, the representatives from disaster management authorities and local irrigation departments shared their knowledge, insights and real-world experiences, which contributed to a comprehensive understanding among all participants of the flood risk in the Indus River Basin. Meanwhile the local experts could highlight region-specific challenges, such as unique hydrological patterns and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, ensuring that all the assessments made were grounded in local realities.
Geospatial data are data such as the coordinates of rivers, rainfall measurements and land-use data.
Geoinformation refers to processed or interpreted geospatial data, for example, a flood-risk map generated by analysing these datasets to identify vulnerable areas. In this workshop, participants learned how to work with geospatial data to interpret it and perform their own disaster risk analyses.
The image shows the maps created during an exercise on a fictitious flood scenario in Larkana, Pakistan.
Using GIS for disaster preparedness
Following this workshop, around 30 participants took part in a training course in how to use geographic information systems (GIS) for disaster risk analysis and planning for disaster management. The participants were introduced to the main concepts of processing geospatial data information and map-making, with a focus on the flood scenarios and security challenges in Pakistan.
The participants brought their own data to the training workshop, exploring how GIS tools could be used to manage and visualize these datasets. There was a strong interest in applying these skills to create maps and visualizations relevant to their work, for example in reporting or the development of anticipatory action frameworks.
These skills are important, because developing anticipatory action frameworks that are scientifically grounded and appropriate to local conditions is a complex task. The combination of data-driven methods and local expertise helps to ensure that early action protocols and other frameworks are not only technically robust, but also contextually relevant. This in turn helps to increase the understanding of those who will be putting these frameworks into action, contributing to better informed decision-making ahead of hazards.
HeiGIT (Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology) performs applied research relating to geographic information. Results and data are made freely available for the benefit of the environment and society through stakeholders such as researchers, aid organizations and associations.
HeiGIT was founded in 2019 as an affiliated institute of Heidelberg University, Germany, with core funding from the Klaus Tschira Foundation.