Shelter Associates

Partner:                   Shelter Associates 

Title of placement:  GIS mapping

Location:                  Pune, India

Start date:               1st  July 2009

Duration:                 3 months

No. of volunteers    2

 

A 3 month placement in Data Analysis and GIS mapping (including using open source programming solutions) to help map and analyse slum areas in Pune India. These maps are then used to help provide baseline information for development plans such as housing and sanitation plans. 

 

What work will you be doing?

Data Analysis

One volunteer will produce Data analysis reports which can be used for informed architectural plans. In particular you will be input AutoCAD and MS Access data to carry out an analysis with the software 'GeoMedia'. The outputs of this work will be used in the production of the reports, and the information will be put on GoogleEarth.

Throughout this process the volunteer is to contribute to the improvement of the systems that SA use and document and explain these improvements. There is also the opportunity to explore new ways of using Google Earth to show data, and to report on the additional things that Google Earth. 

Programming

A second volunteer will be developing an application that can be used by Shelter associates based on either:

1. Open Source Linux or Windows

2. UMN Mapserver - Used on the front end to render area survey maps - See www.mapserver.gis.umn.edu

3. PostGreSQl - The backend database to store shape files exported from Autocad - See www.postgresql.org

4. PostGIS - This will store the geometric data and perform projection conversions

In addition the volunteer will be required to update Apache Server to host the application, and train members of staff on its use.  

 

Who will you be working for?

A group of Architects and planners founded Shelter Associates in 1993 in Pune, India. Their aims are to:
  • Promote community participation in housing and infrastructure projects for the poor
  • Promote and support community-led housing projects
  • Promote and support community-managed settlement improvement projects
  • Support the formation of savings and credit groups which work for poor women
  • Create a database of poor settlements in Pune

Shelter Associates are trying to bridge the gap between local government and slum residents. The Government relocation scheme affects slums in dangerous areas (e.g. hillsides, flood plains etc) and illegal areas, however the plans lack detailed information about slums and slum residents. Shelter Associates do provide this information by surveying and collecting information about the slums that can be analysed using GIS software.

What skills or experience do I need?

Required:   

Data analysis 

  • Ability to use Excel and Access
  • Report writing skills
  • Interest in buildings and infrastructure
  • A Civil Engineer, Architect or Geographer  

Programming                

  • Programming software using open Source Technologies
  • A Computer Scientist or Similar                   

Desired:     

Data analysis

  • Ability to use AutoCAD, GIS (in particular GeoMedia) 

 Programming 

  • GIS Software   
Groups: