GeoHub: Advancing Geospatial Knowledge to Tackle Global Challenges

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the GeoHub project proved to be a crucial source of geospatial education within OSUN. By hosting a variety of workshops and collaborative initiatives, GeoHub enhances the understanding and application of Geographic Information Science (GIS) among students and professionals worldwide.
 
Courses and Projects Address Real-World Problems

This academic year, GeoHub introduced a series of exciting courses designed to expand students’ knowledge and skills in the application of GIS, including the OSUN Online Courses "Mapping the World with QGIS" and "Earth Observations in Monitoring SDGs" and the OSUN Network Collaborative Courses "Introduction to Geospatial Data Visualization" and "Introduction to Geospatial Analysis." Hosted by partners Central European University, the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), and Bard College, the courses were designed to cater to beginners and more experienced users, covering a wide range of topics from basic GIS principles to advanced spatial data analysis techniques. Students learned to use the tools necessary to navigate and interpret complex geographical data, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues from the perspective of spatial analysis.
 
Network Collaborative Courses concluded with Student GIS Conferences, allowing students to showcase their projects and research findings, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The conferences addressed environmental issues, urban planning, occupational analysis, disaster management, land use, agriculture, and hydrology in various countries and regions across the globe. Students demonstrated their proficiency in using GIS tools to address real-world problems, while underscoring the versatility of such technologies in addressing a wide array of challenges across different domains.
  
One project involved conducting a flood risk analysis of La Silla Watershed in Monterrey, Mexico. The ecosystem has great socio-ecological relevance as it attests to the effects of climate change in the region. The case is also very personal for the presenter, who grew up nearby. “During Hurricane Alex in 2010, the first floor of my house flooded and community-wide losses were incalculable,” the student said. “I know first-hand how difficult it can be to face a flood event, so I hope further research in this topic can help our local authorities better plan for flood events, instead of focusing on quick, reactive measures.” 

Experts and Practitioners Discuss the Role of GIS in Global Challenges

This year a number of experts and practitioners from the UN and academia gave guest lectures and shared their perspectives on the critical role of geospatial technologies and remote sensing in various domains. Lorant Czaran, Scientific Affairs Officer at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), discussed the UN Early Warnings for All Initiative and use of satellite imagery resources within its framework. He also explored the application of Earth observation data and geospatial technologies for monitoring Global Agendas, particularly the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ashraf Abushady, UNIDO Senior Advisor on Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, talked about the transformative role of GIS for the World Food Programme (WFP), focusing on operations in South Sudan. Masahiko Nagai from Yamaguchi University presented his work on the use of data collected from space to ensure disaster resilience of the communities using various tools for the acquisition of remotely sensed data, including satellites, drones, and ground observations.  

Hands-on Experience in Digital Storytelling and Crowdmapping
 
This year, GeoHub continued its series of short practical workshops on digital storytelling and crowdmapping, focusing on such tools as ArcGIS, ArcGIS StoryMaps, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team’s Missing Maps project, and Google Earth Engine. These in-person and hybrid sessions offered students hands-on experience in utilizing geospatial data to create compelling narratives and maps, as well as the use of remotely sensed data in humanitarian responses. This year’s Missing Maps map-athon, organized at CEU, focused on recovery activities in Mexico after Hurricane Otis and demonstrated the power of storytelling in conveying complex geospatial information in an accessible and engaging manner. GeoHub also conducted an in-person workshop at AUCA on “Mapping for Policy Change: A Beginner's Guide to ArcGIS.” Participants explored key geospatial concepts, became familiar with the popular mapping software, and learned how to tell stories that change policies and make a difference using the power of GIS. 

Through these diverse and impactful events, GeoHub has contributed to the advancement of geospatial knowledge and the cultivation of a global community of GIS professionals, within OSUN and beyond. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and education, GeoHub continues to empower students and professionals to utilize geospatial technology in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

Post Date: July 19, 2024