The online training in disaster risk assessment modeling began on May 9, 2011. Twenty applications were received that fulfilled the strict requirements, and the selection committee decided to increase the number of spaces available for this training from 10 to 20. Two participants dropped out before completing the second module; meanwhile, three FIU fellows at the University of Catalonia in Spain were accepted as participants to the course. After 5 months of intense work, 21 participants completed the three modules.
As planned, the on-campus workshop took place at FIU the week of December 5, 2011. Fifteen participants attended the workshop. This on-campus training built on the online training, which encompassed three modules: 1) Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and hydrological surface runoff modeling in a GIS environment; 2) Land cover/land use mapping using remote sensing, and 3) Spatio-temporal precipitation estimates derived from remotely sensed data.
The purpose of the on-site training workshop was to introduce more advanced concepts of remote sensing and GIS as well as transfer theoretical knowledge acquired during the modules along with data-processing skills into projects that allow for the production of efficient and high-quality data products. The training included not only more advanced theoretical concepts on remote sensing and GIS, but also integration in data processing workflows. Students reinforced their learning experiences by sharing their applied projects and discussing processes and results with faculty, staff, and other students.
