Geographic Information Systems in Applied Crisis Management

About

This summer school course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for applied crisis management with a strong link to environmental studies and real case studies.
Participants will work with open-source GIS tools (e.g., QGIS/GRASS) and selected web-based GIS (incl. the work with OpenStreetMap).

The course aims to build core GIS skills for environmental practice and to connect GIS theory with practical applications in crisis-management contexts. It emphasizes learning through modern technologies, hands-on exercises, and case-based tasks

Course leader

RNDr. Jakub Trojan, MSc, Ph.D.

Target group

Participants will understand key GIS principles and functions in the context of crisis management, including relevant technologies, standards, and data integration. Participants will be able to collect/manage geographic data, run spatial analyses and basic modelling for risk/impact assessment, and produce thematic maps and visual outputs suitable for crisis-related decision support. Participants will also be able to interpret results and communicate them, while recognizing ethical, legal, and security aspects of GIS use in crisis management

Course aim

Introduction to GIS; fundamentals and core principles. Proprietary GIS environment (example of ArcGIS Pro) and GUI; open-source GIS environments (QGIS, GRASS) and their GUI. Coordinate reference systems and transformations (S-JTSK, S-42, ETRS, WGS84); projections and transformations. Map design and layout: thematic map creation (basic and advanced). Geographic data handling: analysis and transformation; vector and raster data analysis. Environmental/crisis-oriented spatial operations (e.g., buffers, clip, intersections) and task-focused case studies.

The course is designed as a balanced mix of lectures and practical tutorials, reflecting a “learn-then-do” approach. Learning activities are primarily practice exercises and individual student work (portfolio-oriented). A humanitarian mapathon can be included as part of the practical learning experience

Fee info