PHIVOLCS conducted the online training entitled “Exposure Database Development Using REDAS EDM GeomapperPH” for the Cebu City LGU last February 2-5, 2021. The main goal of this module was to train the participants on how to develop their exposure database with the use of the REDAS Exposure Data Mapper (EDM) GeoMapperPH.
The training consisted of 13 participants from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) and 10 guest participants from Hydrometeorology, Tropical Meteorology & Instruments Development & Research Division (HTMIRDS-PAGASA). In total, 23 GeoMapperPH accounts was issued.
Figure 1. Speakers, facilitators, and course advisers for the Exposure Database Development Using REDAS EDM GeomapperPH for Cebu City LGU
To give the participants an overview of the module, the training commenced with three introduction lectures on Day 0: the REDAS Exposure Database Development, the Exposure Database Development for Cebu City Project, and the GeoRisk Philippines and its initiative. In the afernoon, the participants were taught how to sign in in the GeoMapperPH application on both desktop and mobile platforms.
For the Day 1 of the training, Engr. Joshua C. Agar of the University of the Philippines Diliman-Institute of Civil Engineering (UPD-ICE) discussed the Philippine Building Typology where the participants learned about the different building types developed by UPD-ICE. A quiz where participants were asked to identify the building type of various structures was given afterwards to strengthen their familiarization on the topic. Next, the Attributes in the REDAS Exposure Database Module (EDM) using GeoMapperPH Application was discussed by Engr. Robinson F. Jorgio of PHIVOLCS. In this lecture, the participants were informed of the different building attributes found in different building types. At the end of the day, the participants were taught on how to digitize building footprints using both desktop and mobile application in preparation for the data inputting the next day.
In the Day 2 of the training, the participants learned the use of Street View as an alternative to foot survey when gathering exposure data considering the current COVID-19 Pandemic. This was followed by the hands-on demo using both desktop/laptop and smartphones. In this exercise, participants were able to see how the survey questions are actually answered using the two applications. Afterwards, the participants were given an exercise which required them to digitize and survey at least three structures in Cebu City.
On the last day of training, data management or the double checking of surveyed data for errors and updates -- an essential part of exposure data development -- was discussed. In this part, the participants were taught how to spot common errors and correct them in the GeoMapperPH application. The exercise outputs of the participants were also reviewed and discussed in the Data Management lecture during this day.
Figure 2. Brgy Lahug and Brgy Sambag II surveyed data from the building exercise in the Day 3 of Exposure Database Development Using REDAS EDM GeomapperPH for Cebu City LGU
Other topics that were covered in this training are the Introduction to Global Positioning System, Experiences in Exposure Database Development of LGUs, and the Introduction to HazardHunterPH and GeoAnalyticsPH.
Despite experiencing some technical difficulties since the training was conducted in a purely online setup, the training was still successfully completed. Based on the evaluation form responses, the participants were able to learn different skills and knowledge on the training; one of the comments was: “I was able to understand how building damages are assessed after hazard events by being familiarized with their typologies and attributes. All data and knowledge that I have regarding DRRM made sense due to this training.”
The training was headed by DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., REDAS Program Coordinator and Associate Scientist Dr. Maria Leonila P. Bautista, GeoRiskPH Project Leader Mabelline T. Cahulogan, and REDAS Course Advisers Dr. Bartolome C. Bautista, Ishmael C. Narag, and Engr. Angelito G. Lanuza. The speakers and facilitators for the training were Engr. Joshua C. Agar (UPD-ICE), John Deladia, Engr. Noel C. Rosario Jr. (Training Coordinator), Engr. Maria Teresa G. Llera, Engr. Nikka Marie B. Sales, For. Jordana Marie L. Argamosa, Ian P. Javier (REDAS Team), Conrado Alfonso M. Favis, Ynna Patricia M. Aquino, Maeryck Justinne N. Bernardo, Janine L. Israel, Princess Di E. Pascual, and John Harold B. Tabuzo (GeoRiskPH Team).
Figure 3. Participants and speakers during the Exposure Database Development Using REDAS EDM GeomapperPH for Cebu City LGU
