SIMS

Geospatial Profile

Geospatial experts create a variety of static and interactive map types, including basemaps, damage and impact maps, 3W's, and more.

Qualified Members: 22

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Tier 4

Tier 3

Tier 2

Tier 1

Learning Resources

Geospatial Guides

Competencies by Tier

Data Collection

Competency	Description
Applying data security and encryption techniques according to data governance guidelines	Recalls why some data is considered sensitive or requires extra security concerns.
Collecting GIS and remotely sensed data	Recognizes the steps involved in collecting GPS coordinates. Differentiates between coordinate systems and map projections. Describes place-codes (p-codes). Identifies apps which can be used to collect GPS coordinates.
Procuring satellite imagery	Recognizes satellite imagery can be procured for emergencies.

Data Storage & Management

Competency	Description
Cleaning and manipulating data for improved quality	Names common data cleaning steps that need to be performed on a dataset.
Structuring data and constructing a data model	Recognizes elements of a structured table versus unstructured dataset. Lists examples of common file formats (csv, xls, etc).
Establishing a geospatial database	Differentiates between file storage formats and identifies pros/cons of each - topojson, shapefile, spatialite, Json, GeoJSON, GeoDB, GeoTIFF
Structuring vector and raster data models	Describes how attribute matching takes place. Performs basic data transformation/restructuring tasks.

Data Analysis

Competency	Description
Performing geographic/spatial analysis	Defines basic geographic/spatial analysis functions (for example, clip, buffer, and dissolve).

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Lists effective formats and mediums for presenting information (for example, dashboard, web site, printed poster, slide deck, etc.)
Utilizing features of GIS software	Recognizes how to navigate the interfaces of GIS software
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Differentiates between different kinds of maps that can be created using GIS software. Recognizes the types of visualizations that can be produced from a raster dataset.
Utilizing features of OpenStreetMap and OpenAerialMap	Describes the basic data structure used with OpenStreetMap

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Sharing data in an appropriate and secure manner according to data governance guidelines	Describes the data sharing principles used in the humanitarian sector. Explains how to comply with the various components of open data policies and data governance guidelines.
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Recognizes ways to identify patterns in data.
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Describes operational situations in which different information products would be useful. Describes the revision process of an information product.

Data Collection

Competency	Description
Applying data security and encryption techniques according to data governance guidelines	Identifies data that may be considered personally identifiable information (PII), sensitive personal information (SPI), or otherwise needing extra security considerations.
Collecting GIS and remotely sensed data	Outlines the considerations around the collection and use of GPS coordinates (example, implications of GPS accuracy). Describes the basics of collecting GPS (for example, requires an unobstructed view of the sky, accuracy limitations, etc.).
Procuring satellite imagery	Recognizes the steps involved in producing satellite imagery.

Data Storage & Management

Competency	Description
Cleaning and manipulating data for improved quality	Conducts basic data cleaning using tools in spreadsheet software.
Structuring data and constructing a data model	Designs structured tables in spreadsheet software for the collection of various data. Describes use cases for common file formats (csv, xls, etc). Describes the elements/taxonomy of a data model (i.e. entity types, attributes, relationships, etc.). Sets up a simple logical data model.
Establishing a geospatial database	Uses a variety of tools for converting geographic file formats (e.g. shapefile to GeoJSON). Prepares files (tables, vector datasets, raster datasets) as tables within geospatial database.
Structuring vector and raster data models	Joins tabular data to spatial data through attribute matching. Joins multiple dataset attributes to one data layer using spatial or tabular attributes.

Data Analysis

Competency	Description
Performing geographic/spatial analysis	Applies basic geographic/spatial analysis functions (for example, clip, buffer, and dissolve). Describes cartographic standards and conventions. Describes coordinate systems and map projections and their impacts on distance, size, area, and shape.

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Identifies effective data visualizations for a given information need and uses best practices when implementing them (for example, pie chart, bar graph, map, table, etc.).
Utilizing features of GIS software	Demonstrates basic mapping functions using open-source or proprietary GIS software. Converts x,y coordinates from tabular format into GIS software. Describes spatial design concepts (for example, alignment, proximity, balance).
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Uses the map composer function of a GIS software to create different types of maps. Visualizes a raster dataset (for example, hillshade, graduated color ramp).
Utilizing features of OpenStreetMap and OpenAerialMap	Demonstrates basic proficiency with OpenStreetMap and imagery sharing platforms such as OpenAerialMap.
Developing web-based geospatial information product	Explains resource and skill requirements to implement various web based maps.

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Sharing data in an appropriate and secure manner according to data governance guidelines	Successfully adheres to data sharing principles used in the humanitarian sector. Produces examples of data available via the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). Complies with institutional open data policy and data governance guidelines.
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Applies appropriate strategies to identify patterns in data.
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Evaluates the operational relevance of an information product. Incorporates constructive feedback into current and future information products.

Data Collection

Competency	Description
Applying data security and encryption techniques according to data governance guidelines	Implements basic file encryption using software features and understanding of the limitations of such methods (for example, password protection on Microsoft Office documents)
Collecting GIS and remotely sensed data	Describes remotely sensed data and spatial and spectral attributes of different types. Describes when to use what type of remotely sensed data based on disaster.
Procuring satellite imagery	Describes the process of satellite imagery acquisition, processing, and analysis.

Data Storage & Management

Competency	Description
Cleaning and manipulating data for improved quality	Cleans data using software developed specifically for that purpose according to data standards. Creates guidelines and basic controls to improve data collection quality (for example, written guidance or dropdowns in a spreadsheet template).
Structuring data and constructing a data model	Differentiates between relational and non-relational databases. Uses advanced file formats for data collection and transformation (for example, macro-enabled workbooks). Sets up a simple physical data model.
Establishing a geospatial database	Indexes spatial datasets in a manner that supports performant queries.
Structuring vector and raster data models	Introduces raster, vector, satellite/aerial image data into data model, as appropriate.

Data Analysis

Competency	Description
Performing geographic/spatial analysis	Performs geographic/spatial analysis (for example, nearest neighbor, overlay). Conducts raster data analysis (for example, supervised classification, and raster calculations). Writes queries within spatial context.

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Selects appropriate formats and medium for presenting information. Develops dissemination strategy. Translates complex concepts and technical jargon into language that can be understood by a given audience (including non-technical audience).
Utilizing features of GIS software	Utilizes advanced tools and functionalities in QGIS. Uses vector design programs for cartographic refinement.
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Describes and makes adjustments based on political sensitivities when displaying geographic data (e.g. contested boundaries). Manages development of established map products typically used in RCRC response; identifies when they are appropriate, and the required time/data/resources (e.g. basemap, damage extent map, 3W map, specialized maps such as flood extent map). Disseminates mapping products through various media.
Utilizing features of OpenStreetMap and OpenAerialMap	Extracts and uses OpenStreetMap or OpenAerialMap data with GIS software.
Developing web-based geospatial information product	Uses GUI-based web services to create map visualizations. Applies relevant software development skills to produce specialized mapping products (for example, code a dedicated webportal).

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Sharing data in an appropriate and secure manner according to data governance guidelines	Describes the methods, formats, and protocols for improved interoperability, sharing, and accessibility both internally and with other humanitarian partners (HXL, metadata, ISO standards, common operational data models, place codes, IATA Standards). Shares and accesses data through several platforms (Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX), Humanitarian Response Info, Open Street Map (OSM), Relief Web). Develops data sharing and open data guidance/job aids.
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Recognizes patterns, trends, outliers and anomalies in datasets.
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Interprets audience information requirements and identifies appropriate visualizations (for example, the varying needs of operational decision-makers, advocates, fundraisers, communications, or affected population). Independently applies feedback mechanisms and methods to iteratively improve information products.

Data Collection

Competency	Description
Applying data security and encryption techniques according to data governance guidelines	Applies advanced encryption techniques for online and offline data collection, storage, and transfer.
Collecting GIS and remotely sensed data	Applies different spatial and spectral attributes of remotely sensed data where relevant.
Procuring satellite imagery	Evaluates the major providers of satellite imagery and identifies different pathways for requesting/procuring imagery.

Data Storage & Management

Competency	Description
Cleaning and manipulating data for improved quality	Designs quality assurance/ quality control (QA/ QC) procedures. Uses advanced skills with scripting languages for data manipulation.
Structuring data and constructing a data model	Applies advanced skills with different database options. Creates advanced file formats for data collection and transformation (for example, macro-enabled workbooks). Utilizes contextually-appropriate data modeling techniques (i.e. hierarchical, object-oriented, network, entity-relationship, relational).
Establishing a geospatial database	Converts datasets to different serialization formats as needed (binary, text, XML, JSON). Identifies appropriate use cases for spatial database management systems and implements accordingly.
Structuring vector and raster data models	Trains others to construct an effective and queryable geographic data model.

Data Analysis

Competency	Description
Performing geographic/spatial analysis	Conducts advanced geographic/spatial analysis (for example, voronoi diagram, nearest neighbor, calculating the center point (centroid) of polygons, boolean operations between multiple overlapping shapes (intersect, difference, union)). Applies spatial statistics (for example, spatial autocorrelation). Uses various scripting languages to process and analyze geospatial data. Describes the modifiable aerial unit problem (MAUP) and how to account for it in analysis.

Data Dissemination

Competency	Description
Communicating key messages through an information product	Adjusts design of information products to effectively shape key messaging and maximize impact. Actively adapts as needed strategic information management documents to better align with the circumstances of a complex emergency.
Utilizing features of GIS software	Develops and leads trainings on GIS software for specific audiences such as National Society staff and volunteers, government officials, civil servants, community leaders, etc. Communicates complex geospatial concepts to non-specialists.
Contextualizes geospatial information products for different operational needs	Applies different methods to represent spatial data and their appropriate uses (e.g. choropleth, heat map, graduated symbols, proportional symbols, dot density). Evaluates information needs and decides if a map is appropriate and if so, what format/type of map (static, web, choropleth, heat map, etc) in order to convey a message or tell a story to the expected audience. Validates and corrects topology.
Utilizing features of OpenStreetMap and OpenAerialMap	Uses advanced tools for collecting and contributing to OpenStreetMap or OpenAerialMap data (for example, using ODK.
Developing web-based geospatial information product	Creates a custom web map using various tools and code libraries.

Data for Decision-Making

Competency	Description
Sharing data in an appropriate and secure manner according to data governance guidelines	Owns and monitors compliance with data sharing agreements. Trains others on data sharing best practices and open data. Adapts and contextualizes an open data policy for a specific group or institution.
Identifying patterns and trends in data and using them to inform response analysis	Supports response option analysis (for example, suggesting programmes to respond to identified needs). Identifies response gaps and provides recommendations for further action.
Critically assessing and optimizing an information product for operational relevance	Provides constructive and actionable feedback on information products. Leads a human-centered design process with stakeholders.