GIS in Anticipatory Action

GIS in Anticipatory Action#

Why GIS for Anticipatory Action?#

Anticipatory Action (AA) aims to reduce humanitarian impacts by acting before a hazard turns into a disaster. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a central role in this process by enabling:

  • Spatial risk analysis

  • Trigger and threshold monitoring

  • Impact estimation

  • Targeting of early actions

  • Evidence-based decision-making

This section of the IFRC GIS Training Platform focuses on applied GIS workflows for Anticipatory Action, grounded in real-world humanitarian contexts.

What You’ll Find in This Section#

The GIS in Anticipatory Action content brings together case studies, applied analyses, and exercises that demonstrate how GIS supports AA across different hazards and countries.

You will find:

  • Country- and hazard-specific case studies

  • End-to-end GIS workflows

  • Examples of trigger and impact analyses

  • Exercises focused on AA-relevant methods

This content is designed for:

  • GIS trainers

  • AA practitioners

  • Technical staff supporting anticipatory decision-making

Available Case Studies and Analyses#

Cyclone Anticipatory Action – Madagascar#

Focus: Forecast-based risk and impact analysis for tropical cyclones
Key elements:

  • Spatial exposure and vulnerability analysis

  • Risk-based prioritisation

  • Use of QGIS for anticipatory decision support

QGIS Model Workflow: Cyclone Anticipatory Action - Madagascar

https://giscience.github.io/gis-training-resource-center/content/GIS_AA/en_qgis_cyclone_trigger_madagascar.html

Drought Early Action Protocol Trigger Analysis – Somalia#

Focus: Trigger monitoring and threshold analysis for drought
Key elements:

  • Hazard indicators and thresholds

  • Spatial aggregation and analysis

  • Integration of GIS into trigger-based frameworks

QGIS Model Workflow: Drought EAP Trigger for Somalia

/content/GIS_AA/en_qgis_drought_trigger_somalia.md

🌊 Historical Impact Assessment – Flooding in Sudan#

Focus: Retrospective analysis to inform anticipatory planning
Key elements:

  • Historical flood impact data

  • Spatial pattern analysis

  • Learning from past events to improve future triggers

Historical Impact Assessment of Flooding in Sudan

https://giscience.github.io/gis-training-resource-center/content/GIS_AA/en_qgis_historical_impact_assessment_sudan.html

Exercises: GIS for Anticipatory Action#

In addition to the case studies, this section includes hands-on follow-along exercises that focus on the specific GIS techniques used in the case studies:

Cyclone Anticipatory Action Analysis Exercise Track

:link: https://giscience.github.io/gis-training-resource-center/content/Exercise_tracks/en_mdg_aa_cyclones.html

  • Spatial risk analysis

  • Exposure and impact estimation

  • Working with hazard and vulnerability data

These exercises can be used independently or embedded into broader AA-focused trainings.

Tools and Methods Used in GIS for AA#

Many GIS analyses in Anticipatory Action analyses rely on specialised tools and platforms. These tools are documented in the Tools & Methods section of this platform.

Commonly used tools include:

  • Risk Assessment QGIS Plugin

  • AILAS

  • GAIA

Each tool is documented separately to highlight:

  • Reusability beyond a single case study

  • Application across different hazards and countries

👉 Refer to the Tools & Methods section for detailed documentation.

How This Content Fits into the Platform#

  • Learn: Build foundational GIS skills through modules and exercises

  • Apply: Use GIS in real Anticipatory Action contexts (this section)

  • Tools & Methods: Explore reusable tools and workflows

  • Reference: Deepen understanding through the GIS Wiki

Together, these components support both capacity building and operational application of GIS for Anticipatory Action.

Getting Started#

If you are new to GIS for Anticipatory Action:

  1. Start with the basic GIS modules

  2. Explore one AA case study

  3. Review the tools used in that case

  4. Integrate selected exercises into your training or workflow

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