GIS in Anticipatory Action #
What is Anticipatory Action? #
Anticipatory action in humanitarian work means taking early steps to reduce the impact of disasters before they fully occur, based on reliable forecasts and risk analysis. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies applies this approach through Forecast-based Action, releasing pre-arranged funding when specific risk thresholds are reached. This enables local Red Cross and Red Crescent teams to act in advance—such as distributing cash, protecting assets, or preparing communities—helping to save lives, reduce losses, and strengthen resilience in a more timely and cost-effective way.
Why GIS for Anticipatory Action? #
Anticipatory Action (AA) seeks to reduce humanitarian impacts by taking action before a hazard escalates into a disaster. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support this approach by enabling spatial risk analysis, monitoring triggers and thresholds, estimating potential impacts, and identifying where early actions should be targeted. By integrating these capabilities, GIS helps humanitarian actors make timely, evidence-based decisions. This section of the IFRC GIS Training Platform highlights practical GIS workflows for Anticipatory Action, grounded in real-world humanitarian operations.
GIS plays a central role in anticipatory action by helping humanitarian actors understand where and who will be affected before a hazard occurs. By combining forecast data with geospatial information—such as population distribution, infrastructure, and accessibility—GIS enables the identification and mapping of exposed and vulnerable communities. These analyses support data-driven decisions, such as where to prioritize early actions, how to reach people in time, and which areas face the greatest risk. Ultimately, GIS transforms complex data into actionable insights, allowing organizations like the Red Cross to target support more effectively, act earlier, and better protect lives and livelihoods.
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. These examples illustrate how geospatial analysis can support the development of anticipatory action protocols, including risk analysis, trigger monitoring, impact estimation, and the targeting of early actions.
The case studies present applied GIS workflows based on real operational contexts and highlight the tools and datasets used in the analyses — many of these tools are documented in more detail in the Tools & Methods section.
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
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
🌊 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
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
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:
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:
Start with the basic GIS modules
Explore one AA case study
Review the tools used in that case
Integrate selected exercises into your training or workflow