Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
About GIS
MEARCH is specialized in providing humanitarian agencies with geographical information. Part of the mission of MEARCH.org is to promote the use of GIS in the humanitarian field. Knowledge of geographical information is made available through projects comprising local capacity building, research and development during emergency relief, and the provision of training, internships and thesis projects. Courses given by MEARCH.org are designed in a way that national staf of NGOs, local governments and others are able to practically benefit from what they have learned at MEARCH.org Additionally, a range of specialized courses are available for those who need more complex geographical expertise.
Introducing GIS
By learning the basics of GIS, you will be able to make maps showing the location of your project in the field. The use of GPS equipment is introduced, and several software packages including ArcGIS and some of the most popular Open Source alternatives currently available. Basic course but practical enough to have useful maps for project management and donors.
Remote sensing - how to use satellite imagery for making maps
Learning how to make your own shapefiles from satelite images or surveying equipment and autocad, this advanced course will enable you to make maps showing high detail up to a professional standard quality of mapping. Students will learn how to use satellite images to create their own shapefiles showing geographical elements for high detailed maps. Advanced course that enables students to draw maps at topographic level, useful for project proposals etcetera.
Spatial Analyst - giving you data analysing power
This advanced level course combines what you have learned in previous courses given by MEARCH.org, by adding analytical tools to your expertise that will anable to analyse geographical data. Spatial analysis is the geographical equivalent of analysing statistical data withs sofware packages such as SPSS PC+. The course will enable students for instance with analysing economical data that is used for assessing livelihood data. Very useful assessment tool that can give you the extra edge that you need to present your results.
GPS technology introduced
Using GPS in the field is still not very common among humanitarian agencies. Because the tool can be very useful and is not that difficult to use, MEARCH has created a course that will help your staff understand the power of GPS, and the practical benefit of using the tool when working in the field. The course is recommended for all (senior) fieldwork staff.
Understanding Cartography - From topographical maps to Projection
Introductory course that will help your staff to understand the power of using maps to present information. Wide range of maps are presented and the students are given the knowledge in how to read maps, how to be critical in observing them, and understanding thing such as projection and geographical presentation of information. This course is a general introduction of mapping linked to the context of humanitarian aid.
