Integrating open mapping tools in the humanitarian action: an experience from Sri Lanka’s anticipatory action project (EN)
11:30 - 12:00
Advances in weather forecasting and climate science now enable to act before hazards strike rather than investing primarily in humanitarian response after disasters happen. These anticipatory approaches enable more people to receive needed assistance ahead of predictable shocks. Anticipatory action allows humanitarians and affected communities to make informed decisions ahead of a humanitarian crisis – saving time and money; preventing displacement, disease, loss of livelihood; and preserving the dignity of those affected. The availability of accurate information is an integral part in the anticipatory action to take proper decisions within a short lead time period. Disasters has a spatial dimension too. Hence, an integrating spatial dimension in to the data and information is a must to make effective and efficient decisions during humanitarian action. Sri Lanka Anticipatory Action for Disaster Mitigation Project integrated Open Street Mapping tool to create a spatial database. This is prepared with the support of relevant stakeholders. This has enabled to analysis of spatial distribution of vulnerable households across the project locations. This helped decision makers to mobilize more resources to the needy areas during humanitarian action.
Key words: Anticipatory Action, Open Mapping, Data and Information, Resource Mobilization
