For Cluster/Sector IM Focal Points: Request for inputs on the development of a standard symbol set for OCHA

[Brendan McDonald]

To: Cluster/Sector IM Focal Points.  Response requested by 12 May 2008

Cc: Members of IA IM WG Mailing List

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this email is to solicit inputs from all of the cluster/sectors for the development of a standard symbol set for use in OCHA maps.

In 2007 OCHA produced a set of standard symbols for use on ReliefWeb maps and documents.  This first set of standard graphics included symbols for global level clusters (Protection, Nutrition, etc.) and disaster types (tornado, tsunami, etc.).  These symbols are shown in the attached pdf file.

Because of the demand for mapping standards from OCHA field offices, OCHA now intends to extend this set with symbols for use in field-produced maps through the production of an "OCHA Standard Symbol Set" for OCHA maps.  The graphics we have been requested to prepare by our staff range from security incidents to health facilities, IDP camps and transport infrastructure symbols.  A full, but provisory list can be found at the bottom of this email.

In order to avoid duplicating efforts, as well minimise creating confusing and incompatible maps, we are kindly asking you to send us any standard symbology your cluster/sector is using, or if no standard set exists, what the lead agency are using.

Moreover, we would also appreciate if you could review the ontologies we have been asked to create symbols for to check whether these match with standard categories your respective organizations use in  their operations.  The most fundamental step towards standardizing maps is getting to a common understanding of the classification of the ‘things’ being mapped.  You, as members of a cluster/sector, as well as clients of OCHA's maps, are the best placed people that can provide OCHA with a classification of the ‘things to be mapped’.

Once a first draft of the extended symbology is drafted, we will revert to you to ask you to comment and review the work to make sure our work contributes to creating a common visual language rather than visual confusion.  

Although this effort is directed towards the development of a standard symbol set for OCHA (as trying to develop a common set for the humanitarian system is not feasible at this time), we will share with you our final version for your consideration and use as appropriate.

Responses and questions regarding the above should be sent to: Paolo Palmero, Information Management Officer (GIS), Field Information Services Unit (OCHA), email: pal...@un.org.  Our staff in Geneva and New York are also available to meet with your in-house experts on a bilateral basis if this is helpful.

Thank you in advance for your support in this initiative.

Best   Regards,

Brendan McDonald

Brendan McDonald
Manager
Field Information Services Unit (FIS)
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Tel: +1-917-367-3557 Fax: +1-212-963-1040
Email: mcdo...@un.org
http://ochaonline.un.org

---

PRELIMINARY LIST OF SYMBOLS REQUESTED:
SECURITY INCIDENTS:
Ambush, kidnapping, clashes, burnings, guerrilla crossings, road blocks, Closed Area, anti-personal mines, anti-cars mines.

LEVELS OF DAMAGE:
Affected, partially destroyed.

WATSAN:
Borehole (Working/ Not Working), Shallow well (Protected/Not protected), Deep-well (Protected/Not Protected), Well with Lifting Device, Rainwater Harvester, Potable Water Source, Water Spring, Wind-powered Well, Latrine (by type VIP, Pit, School Latrine, Ecosan), Training Support, Piped Water.

EDUCATION:
Primary School, Secondary School, Training Centre.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY & NUTRITION:
Food Warehouse/Storage Facility, Major Crop (Maize, Small grains, Groundnuts), Nutrition Garden, Livestock Support, Supplementary Feeding Site, Infant Feeding, Home Based Care, Community Therapeutic Care, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT).

SHELTER:
Types of Dwellings: Tent, Hut, Roof under Asbestos, Shack.
IDP camps: temporary, permanent, transition sites, food reception centres.

HEALTH:
National Hospital, Provincial Hospital, District Hospital, Private Hospital, Rural Health Centre, Clinic, VCT Site, Sentinel Site(HIV, Malaria etc)

INFRASTRUCTURE (including transport)
Police Station, Government office, Religious building (mosque, church); Roads: Primary roads, Secondary roads, Trail, Track, Unknown roads; Airports: Civilian, Military, Civilian/Military Joint, Unknown airport; Airports: Civilian, Military, Civilian/Military Joint, Unknown airport.