An introductory course to GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing

We are organising a new course on “Geospatial technologies in ecosystem management”, an introductory course to GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing.

In general, the course is designed to follow an integrated overview of these three technologies, and we intend to deeply approach each one, in the future, by creating new course designs directed for that. This attempt is much sought after by many professionals of different backgrounds, which are faced with the possibility of using these technologies for their own needs, especially in the ecosystem management context. The course is balanced between theory and application, and participants are encouraged to bring spatial data related to their current work or interest.

“Geospatial technologies in ecosystem management — An introductory course to GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing”, is organised by Science Retreats LDA on behalf of the Évora branch of InBIO-​CIBIO.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will:

1. Understand

- the fundamental principles and techniques of Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing and Global Positioning System.

- the range of tools and methods for collection, management, processing/​modelling and interpretation of spatial data — vector and raster.

- how geospatial geotechnologies can be used within ecosystem management issues.

- how to think critically and be able to find answers to solve spatial problems, especially those related to ecosystem management issues.

2. Develop skills on

- Commercial GIS software: i) Esri’s ArcGIS Desktop — ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox, Spatial Analyst, ModelBuilder, Image Analysis Window, and/​or ii) open-​source software: QGIS.

- Searching, accessing, downloading and displaying web-​based data, such as from Google Earth, within a GIS software.

- GPS data, integrating it and GIS to generate new data layers.

- Remotely sensed imagery for analysis or visualization purposes.

Who should apply?

The course is designed for anyone with a natural science background (students, researchers, resource managers, conservation practitioners, etc.) who is looking for a specialized understanding and training in the use of GIS, remote sensing and GPS in ecosystem analysis and management/​biodiversity modelling/​conservation planning.

Logistics and dates

The course will take place in the historical city of Évora, Portugal, 5– 11 September 2016. It will be opened to a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 participants.

Requirements

A general knowledge on ecology; basic knowledge of GIS, preferably ArcGIS and/​or QGIS (general comprehension of menus/​tools). Additionally, basic knowledge in remote sensing is desired and basic statistics.

Participants will be required to bring their own laptop computer with Windows OS for the hands-​on training sessions.

Language

English, unless all participants understand Portuguese.

Course length and ECTS

The course includes 56 hours on-site, including breaks. The course is equivalent to 5,6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), assuming the rule of 10:1, which means that 1 course lesson (=1 hour) gives 0.1 ECTS credits, taking a preparation factor of 1.5. Participants who have completed the course will receive a certificate of participation at the end of it.

Fees

The course fee is €350 to be paid until 20th of July 2016, ideally by bank transfer. The fee covers the lectures, the course materials, and an assortment of cookies and beverages over coffee breaks.

* Notice that 23% VAT tax may apply on the registration fee. If you are applying from abroad (outside Portugal) and an institution covers the fee, then you should be exempt from the tax. However, a VAT number (if you are from the EU) or an equivalent institutional fiscal number from overseas must be supplied.

How to apply?

Please send one PDF file including a description of how the course will benefit your research and/​or work (you should mention any specific issue you would be interested to see approached during the course), and a short CV to scienceretreats@gmail.com

Applications must be received no later than the 15th of June 2016; successful candidates will be informed before the 20th of June 2016. The course accepts a minimum of 10 students and maximum of 20 students selected according to their track record and the relevance of the course for their research or work.

Cancelation policy

If you wish to cancel your participation in this course, cancellations up to 20 days before the course start date will incur a 30% cancellation fee. For later cancellations, or non-​attendance, the full course fee will be charged. In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, accepted candidates will either be entitled to a full refund of the course fee, or the fee can be credited toward a future course. The organisation is not responsible for travel costs, or any other expenses incurred by the candidate as a result of such cancellation. Every effort will be made to avoid the cancellation of the planned course.

Funding

Unfortunately we do not provide internal grants for this course. However, 20% discounts are offered to students or researchers affiliated with the University of Évora and/​or the CIBIO-​InBIO. If you would like to apply for such a discount please state the name of your organisation in your application (proof of affiliation will be requested). Unemployed scientists and self-​funded Portuguese PhD students might also benefit from a 20% discount on the course fee, up to a maximum of two places. Please contact us if you think you qualify for such discount.

Instructor: Dora Neto