Development of a GIS at CRED
Cartography has imposed itself as an essential tool for all actors involved in the different sectors of the disaster and conflict management cycle. Over the last decade, the world witnessed a significant increase and diffusion of easily and freely available geographic information on disasters and conflicts. Notably, there has been a growing trend in the availability of satellite-based monitoring initiatives.
Aware of the strong research potential and the high added value of these technologies, CRED decided jump on the bandwagon and make a first step towards the integration of the EM-DAT and CE-DAT databases into a Geographic Information System (GIS).
Beyond creating a GIS in which both databases could be integrated, we are developing a multi-database interface through which users could concurrently query both EM-DAT and CE-DAT and retrieve data on, for example, malnutrition or mortality rates in areas recently impacted by a flood or drought.
To link both databases through a unique interface first meant identifying a common denominator. However, the spatial nature of the two databases was quite different, with CE-DAT registering its data at the 2nd or 3rd administrative level and EM-DAT at a national scale. It was therefore decided to increase the resolution of EM-DAT data and record disasters at a finer level than the previous national one. This in itself, is a major step for EM-DAT, as significant as the development of website technology in 2002 that allowed for online access to the database.
Secondly, it was necessary to identify a standardized and reliable global spatial dataset of administrative boundaries. The Global Administrative Unit Layers (GAUL) dataset developed by FAO within the EC-FAO Food Security Information for Action Programme was chosen as it provided a standardized spatial dataset up to the 2nd administrative level. (http://www.foodsec.org/tools_gaul.htm).
The GIS platform was therefore designed to link the databases at the second administrative level, while keeping a maximum of flexibility for further improvements. At the centre of the GIS infrastructure, PostGIS, an Open Source software solution that provides core GIS system functionalities, was deployed. Around this engine, several applications have been developed to ease the querying of the geographic database and the interaction of researchers with the system.
Currently, all CE-DAT records have been geo-referenced and linked to a recognized administrative unit, health zone, livelihood zone, camp or locality. For EM-DAT, the geo-referencing of data is still work in progress. However, with the kind support of the University of Hawaii, all natural disasters that occurred in Africa have been geo-referenced and are now available in-house at a first administrative level resolution.
The next steps include the integration of the GIS system within the CE-DAT and EM-DAT websites to bring these new capabilities to our network of users. In addition, the use of satellite imagery and external spatial datasets will be explored to further increase the value of the EM-DAT and CE-DAT databases to those involved in the management and research of the impacts of disasters and complex emergencies on human populations.
As always, we welcome your comments and feedback on the development of the CRED GIS.