GIS & GPS Biodiversity Mapping

Introduction

2020 dates TBC

2 day course ¦ Price: £150 

GIS and GPS technologies enable the mapping of species, which  can be used as a practical management tool as well as for interpretation and promoting public understanding of nature conservation. This combined GIS-GPS workshop offers a unique insight into both technologies and how they link together. You will be able to use both a hand held GPS unit and open source (free!) GIS software to map and record biodiversity data. You will also be able to cascade your learning to co-workers (extending the reach of the training) – and directly use your new skills as a volunteer and/or in the workplace with immediate effect.

Who is this workshop for?

This training course is for employees and volunteers of NGOs, government agencies and research/education organisations.  We expect trainees will have (or wish to gain) employment that involves biodiversity data collection, wildlife monitoring and mapping.  Trainees will therefore have only limited experience, access and/or opportunity to learn about both GPS and GIS technology.   This 2-day course is designed for those who use (or want to use) GPS location units combined with GIS mapping software (the open source or FREE version).

How it will work

You will be lent a Garmin GPSMAP® Unit (worth over £200) for a week prior to the course in order for you to practice the straightforward activities we will provide which are designed to encourage you to become familiar with the features of the GPS Unit. You will also receive a Dropbox link containing instructions on how to download the open source (FREE) GIS as well as other relevant information.

Equipment & software:  Garmin GPSMAP® 62s navigation unit.  QGIS 2.6 software.  You’ll need to bring a laptop (with QGIS 2.6 installed – we’ll tell you how to do this) and the Garmin GPSMAP® 62s Unit (USB data cable).

Testimonials

 “It was very well structured with a good mix of practical and computer work.” 

“I learnt SO much in such a short space of time and the pace of delivery was just right.” 

“Mix of GPS/GIS – how it linked to how I would use both in the real work environment. I particularly liked that the application of what we were doing was emphasized”

“It didn’t go too fast and I wasn’t afraid to ask questions if I got lost.  I enjoyed that we got to go through extra bits and pieces, suited to the questions we had.”

Who is delivering the training?

Ambios team Simon Roper & Garry McCreath are experienced trainers.  Simon has worked in nature conservation for decades (!) starting at Devon Wildife Trust & the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts before starting Ambios Ltd in 2001.  Garry is an experienced GIS professional working with a range of packages and data types. He has extensive knowledge of how GPS & GIS can work together to get you the results you need.  As a team, the combined knowledge and practical understanding of both trainers means you will receive maximum learning gain from this course.  The training will focus on the combined use of both GPS and GIS for biodiversity data collection and mapping.

How To Join Us

Getting Here

Our address is Lower Sharpham Farm, Ashprington, Totnes TQ9 7DX. Directions by foot/bike along the traffic-free cycle path from Totnes.

Our nearest train station is 2.5 miles away in Totnes.