Geographic Information System

Geotechnology is one of the most important emerging and evolving fields for research and development. This is true especially in Disaster Risk Management (DRM). Disaster Risk Information is spatial in nature and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a vital role in Disaster Risk Assessment and Management.

GIS is a computer-based methodology for collecting, analyzing, modelling, and presenting geographic data for a wide range of applications. The proliferation of desktop hardware and software has made these systems an important tool in our everyday lives.

History

The beginning of utilizing GIS for academic research in PSBA-Manila coincides with the conception of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Unit of PSBA-Manila. Researches on Disaster Risk in PSBA began in 2001, when Dr. Teodoro Santos and Prof. Harry Lorenzo alongside Dr. Teodorico Molina affirmed the proposition of Dr. Tabassam Raza, while taking up his Doctorate in Business Administration, for his paper that was engaged towards Disaster Risk Management (DRM). The said study entitled "Key Model: Conceptualization and Execution of a Total Disaster Risk Management: Cherry Hills Tragedy, Antipolo City" was distributed in 2003 as a pioneer of its kind on catastrophes in the Philippines. In 2003, the DRM Unit was established under the Graduate School Research Center of PSBA-Manila where Dr. Raza was designated Special Associate for the DRM and Information Technology (IT) Researches and Undertakings for PSBA-Manila. From here on, inquires about DRM centered on Business Continuity were done under the name of the School. Most of the academic researches and endeavors of the unit utilize GIS in analyzing spatial information.