Call for candidatures: Summer Training IT2013

The Operational Unit of UNU-INRA, for computer applications to natural resources analysis and management at the University of Yaoundé I announces the organization of a training course on digital technology (IT2009) at Yaoundé, Cameroon, from August 24 to September 11 2009.

Objective

The objective is to build capacity in digital technology and facilitate analysis and management of natural, human and environmental resources.

Training content

The training is composed of three modules:

• Basic tools module: This module comprises two units:
  • Data management tools: Trainees will be introduced to the tasks of conception, implementation and use of relational databases.
  • Images processing tools: Trainees will be introduced to various image acquisition techniques, different format of representation and saving, mechanisms of conversion from one format to the others, and techniques for enhancing the quality of an image.
• GIS and Remote Sensing Module: This module comprises of:
  • GIS or Geographic Information System: This unit serves as bridge between the manual cartography and the digitization of maps, using advantages connected to the flexibility and the handiness of the computer tools. The module treats principles of computer-assisted cartography, scanning, digitization, covering, transparency and superimposition of maps, the creation of GIS database, GIS skills and the transfer of the cartographic data of Cartography software packages to the GIS software packages and vice versa. These application software packages are Adobe Illustrator and MAPINFO.
  • GPS or Global Positioning System: This unit teaches trainees about the functioning and use of a GPS. At the end of the course, the trainees will be able to use GPS to determine the ground coordinates of a point, to build a map, to go from one point to another.
  • Remote Sensing: This unit is comprises two parts: a theoretical part introducing spatial remote sensing followed by a series of digital treatments of spatial images. Case studies will show the contributions of the remote sensing to the estimation of the quality of surface water and to the use of the spatial images for the study of the chlorophyllous vegetation.
• Digital Map making and Spatial Analysis: This module has two units:
  • Digital Mapping: The following tasks will be performed:
    • digitalization and edition of analogical maps using ;
    • Filling of data on the digitized map ;
    • Multi-layering of the different thematic layers to derive secondary (analytical) layers.
  • Spatial Analysis : Using spatial analysis and cartographic visualization as decision support
• Practical work: Will focus on development of population distribution map layer from census data. Trainees are requested to should bring along population data on settlements in four adjoining map sheets of the 1/50,000 series for project area;
  • Satellite image processing and thematic development of the natural resources; and
  • Packaged of results in power point and hard copy print outs to be used for public demonstration during the closing ceremony.

Modalities for participation

• Eligibility

The target trainees for IT2009 are academic and research staff of Universities and national research institutes in Africa countries who have specialized in one of the following domains: Cartography, Geography, Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Climatology, Ecology, Agriculture, Town Planning, Topography, Forestry or any other domain connected to the analysis and management of natural, human and environmental resources. Good knowledge of descriptive Statistics and Spreadsheet will improve chances of selection.

• Fees

The course fee and living expenses in Yaoundé is estimated at $2,800 distributed as follow:
Training registration fee: $50
Training fee of various modules: $1 200
Lectures notes cost: $100
Living expenses in Yaoundé for four weeks (hotel, meals, local transportation from hotel to University of Yaoundé I and back): $ 1 500
Medical Insurance during the stay at Yaoundé : $100
Coffee breaks for 20 days : $200

A limited number of scholarships provided by UNU-INRA-OU is available. Potential candidates are strongly advised to seek and to obtain travel support to cover transport costs to and from Yaoundé in Cameroon.

• Registration

Candidates should request and fill the registration form and send the completed form to the Coordinator of the Operational Unit of UNU-INRA before June 10 2013.

Contact

Pr. Laure Pauline FOTSO; UNU-INRA-OU Coordinator ; Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I; B.P. 812 Yaoundé Cameroon; Tel: (237) 96 29 93 33 / 9985 35 71; E-mail: laurepfotso@yahoo.com or lpfotso@ballstate.bsu.edu

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