GIS & REMOTE SENSING FOR WILDLIFE MANAGERS

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park's Conservation and Research
Center is offering the following introductory conservation GIS and
remote sensing course:

GIS & REMOTE SENSING FOR WILDLIFE MANAGERS An Introduction to the use of
Geographic Information Systems & Remote Sensing in Conservation and
Wildlife Management September 4-8, 2006

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 NGOs
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 applications of GIS in
everyday management situations. We are offering a course for wildlife
managers that provides hands-on experience in collection of data, GIS
analysis of 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 government agency databases.

Visit the following web address for more details and registration
information:

http://www.nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS/GIS
_training/introduction/

Contact:
Marcela Suarez-Rubio
giscourse@si.edu
1500 Remount Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-635-6535 (GIS Lab)
540-635-6506 (FAX)