The Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center is offering the following course: GIS & REMOTE SENSING FOR WILDLIFE MANAGERS An Introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems & Remote Sensing in Conservation and Wildlife Management May 17-21
Increasingly, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing - the mapping of features using imagery acquired either from an aircraft or a satellite - have become important tools for decision-making and the applied management of natural resources. Many federal agencies and NGO's rely on GIS and satellite data for their work and are starting to produce their own spatial databases. However, there are few training opportunities for wildlife managers to learn the application of GIS in everyday management situations. We are offering a course for wildlife managers that will provide hands-on experience for the collection of data, GIS analysis of the data, and map-making using the latest ESRI (ArcGIS) and ERDAS software. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION This short course will provide wildlife managers with a working knowledge about the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing to the monitoring and management of wildlife and forest vegetation. Exercises in establishing locations with a Global Positioning System (GPS), data input into a GIS, and spatial analysis techniques for GIS will provide hands-on and real world experience during the course. Based on examples about habitat selection in songbirds and white-tailed deer, course participants will learn how to: * Collect GIS data in the field using survey techniques and GPS. * Differentially correct GPS data. * Input GPS data into GIS. * Input field data into GIS. * Use GIS for management of large data sets from multiple sources. * Design and perform analysis using GIS data and spatial analysis techniques. * Integrate data with ancillary data, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and State Agency databases. Visit the following web address for more details and registration information: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_training/introduction/ Contact: GIS Course Coordinator 1500 Remount Road Front Royal, VA 22630 540-635-6535 (GIS Lab) 540-635-6506 (FAX) giscou...@si.edu **Note: An Advanced Course is offered during the following week, May 24-28, 2010 For more information on any of our other courses please see: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS_training/
