GIS in Anticipatory Action

GIS in Anticipatory Action#

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.

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

🌊 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

../content/GIS_AA/en_qgis_historical_impact_assessment_sudan

Historical Impact Assessment of Flooding in Sudan

../content/GIS_AA/en_qgis_historical_impact_assessment_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

../content/Exercise_tracks/en_mdg_aa_cyclones

  • 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.

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