Videos uploaded by giacomo

A 20-min. video on GIS with the Ifugao People of the Philippines: Bridging Participation and GIS Technology for Natural Resource Management

This 25-min educational video documentary introduces the practice of participatory spatial information management and communication (PGIS) in the development context. It has been designed to introduce development practitioners (technology intermediaries) to the practice of demand-driven PGIS. In this video, PGIS practice is presented as a continuum starting from community mobilisation to project planning and design, choice of mapping methods and technologies, visualisation of different technologies in diverse ethno-cultural and agro-ecological environments, and finally putting the maps to work in the domains of identity building, self-determination, spatial planning and advocacy. Ethics and sound attitudes and behaviours are emphasized as cross-cutting imperatives.

Giacomo Rambaldi, senior programme coordinator at CTA, elaborates on the role of PGIS practice in rural development. In his view participatory mapping offers opportunities for ordinary people to get a more authoritative say on how the territories they occupy and use are administered. The use of geographic information technologies coupled to the visual – easy to understand - language of maps, place grassroots in the position to entertain peer to peer dialogues with higher authorities. Being on a map, argues Rambaldi, corresponds to existing, and to being in the position to make your voice heard and negotiate access to services and utilities, so important in rural settings.

Understand the use of buffering in vector spatial analysis. Spatial analysis uses spatial information to extract new and additional meaning. Usually spatial analysis is carried out using a GIS Application. A GIS provides normally has spatial analysis tools for feature statistics (e.g. how many vertices make up this polyline?) or geoprocessing such as feature buffering (e.g. which area falls within a certain distance of this feature?). In this worksheet we look more closely at vector analysis, using buffering as an example.

Understand interpolation as part of spatial analysis. Spatial interpolation is the process of using points with known values to estimate values at other unknown points. In this worksheet we describe interpolation in more detail and give some examples of how it can be useful.

Understanding map production for spatial data. Map production is the process of arranging map elements on a sheet of paper in a way, that even without many words a layperson understands what it is all about. Maps are very often produced for presentations and reports where the audience or reader is a politician, citizen or a learner with no professional background in GIS. Because of this, map has to be most effective in communicating spatial information. In this worksheet we explore the common elements of a map and how they can be combined to produce a pleasing product.

Topology defines the relationship between vector features. In this topic we look at how topology is used in a GIS, and the differences between topological and non topological datasets. We also look at how topological concepts can be used to improve the digitising process.

Learn how to create and edit vector and attribute data. In the previous two topics we looked at vector data. We saw that there are two key concepts to vector data, namely: geometry and attributes. The geometry of a vector feature describes its shape and position, while the attributes of a vector feature describe its properties (colour, size, age etc.). In this section we will look more closely at the process of creating and editing vector data – both the geometry and attributes of vector features.

Discover the different kinds of raster data and how they can be used in a GIS. Raster data are arranged in a matrix of cells. Each cell in the matrix has a value. When viewed as a whole the raster looks like an image. In this worksheet we take a closer look at raster data.

Understanding the role of attribute data in a GIS. Attribute data describe features. Attribute data can help us to make interesting and informative maps, and perform spatial analysis in a GIS application. In this topic we describe how attribute data are associated with vector features and can be used to symbolise data.

Understanding of vector data models as used in GIS. Vector data provide a way to represent real world features within the GIS environment. A feature is anything you can see on the landscape such as houses, roads, trees, rivers, and so on. Each one of these things would be a feature when we represent them in a GIS Application. Vector features have attributes, which consist of text or numerical information that describes the feature. In this worksheet we explore the different geometry types used to represent vectors.

Understanding the role of attribute data in a GIS. Attribute data describe features. Attribute data can help us to make interesting and informative maps, and perform spatial analysis in a GIS application. In this topic we describe how attribute data are associated with vector features and can be used to symbolise data.

Understanding what GIS is and what it can be used for. With a GIS application you can open digital maps on your computer, create new spatial information to add to a map, create printed maps customised to your needs and perform spatial analysis. In this worksheet we explore the basic concepts behind Geographical Information Systems.

A simple animation created by InsightShare (http://insightshare.org) explaining the process and ethos behind the Participatory Video methodology, as practiced by InsightShare in its various projects around the world. Using simple drawings, reminiscent of the storyboards created by participants, the process of community authored video for change is detailed from conception to creation and beyond.

Essential for anyone interested in learning more about Participatory Video and how InsightShare has used this method to enable various groups to tell their own stories in their own words. It describes the basic PV process, decision-making stages, community-based screenings and using resulting video messages as advocacy tools for a variety of audiences.

This video features examples of how Participatory Video has been used by InsightShare for direct advocacy with various communities around the world. It includes examples taken from their capacity building trainings with partners in Sierra Leone, Uganda, Indonesia, UK, and Tanzania.

This video demonstrates some of the PV methods taught by InsightShare as part of their capacity building trainings designed to build PV skills for illiterate or literate groups alike. The film also reflects their core values: “mistakes are great”, “each one teach one” & the importance of fun as part of the PV process!

Dr. Nigel Crawhall, Director of Secretariat at the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC), a pan-African network, introduces the Training Kit on Participatory Spatial Information Management and Communication and its value in terms of promoting good practice and adding authority yo local knowledge. To know more about the Training Kit visit http://pgis.cta.int

Dr. Nigel Crawhall, Director of Secretariat at the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC), a pan-African network, elaborates on the value of ethics in the context of participatory mapping processes.

Louis Liebenberg, founder and developer of CyberTracker technology shares his views on the importance of maintaining local knowledge at the forefront and to beware of the fact that technology may seduce users at the cost of dis-empowering local knowledge holders. Louis further highlights the role of the "Training Kit on Participatory Spatial Information Management and Communication" in empowering the grassroots.