GIS and Remote Sensing in Environmental Management, EIA and Audit Course

COURSE OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

An Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) is an assessment of the possible impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment, consisting of the environmental, social and economic aspects. Environmental impact assessment ensures that decision makers consider the environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project.

The application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Management and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Audit process has gained substantial momentum over the past few years. Analyzing developments in their spatial context during the initial stages of the EIA process expedites the identification of potential aspects and impacts that may have to be assessed while the process goes on. Potential risk factors may be identified upfront and presented to the client to assess the viability of proceeding with the project. This approach reduces timeframes and usually presents the client with a cost saving.

An excellent tool that is increasingly important in the detection, description, quantification and monitoring environmental changes is Remote Sensing, which, in combination with geographic information systems (GIS) and fieldwork, is an effective management tool.

This course focuses on the use of GIS and Remote Sensing to organize and present spatial data in a way that allows effective environmental management planning. Decision makers and planners can use GIS to organize and present spatial data in a more effective way.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• To expose participants to data capture, input, manipulation and display by GIS
• To introduce GIS and Remote Sensing in environmental management
• To expose participants to applications of GIS and remote sensing in environmental management
• To introduce participants to the role GIS plays in the EIA process
• To develop a sound basis for understanding the operation of GIS and Remote Sensing in environmental management.
• Familiarizing with different methods and techniques for SMCA for EIA
• Understanding the advantages and limitations of (S)MCA
• Acquiring skills in DSS and GIS-based DSS
• Understanding the role played by technical experts, stakeholders and decision-makers
• To demonstrate to participants, use of GIS in identifying and analyzing potential impacts
• To demonstrate case studies of a selected areas using GIS software.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1:

Introduction to GIS and remote sensing in EIA and Audit Context

• Knowledge recap: Definition and purpose of EIA
• Components of GIS
• Introduction to GIS software used for EIA

Module 2:

Geospatial technologies and techniques for environmental mapping with GIS Software

• Planning for a GIS system installation
• GIS Data sources for environmental management, EIA and Audit.
• GPS data collection for environmental management, EIA and Audit
• GIS data collection using mobile devices
• GIS database creation
• Working with GIS data
• Rasterization and vectorization
• Projection and coordinate system
• Data output / Data presentation
• Relating information from different sources
• Map preparation and presentation.

Module 3:

Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis using GIS Software

• Basic concepts of decision theory and problem structuring
• Methodological steps in MCA and SMCA (value function and weight assessment, criteria aggregation, sensitivity analysis, result presentation).
• Overview of main MCA and SMCA methods
• AHP and OWA procedures
• Using Decision Support Systems (DSS) and GIS-based DSS

Module 4:

Case studies for SMCA in different domains.

• Site location
• Land use
• Land Suitability analysis
• Distance to areas of population
• Local area demographics
• Proximity to transport and road infrastructure
• Environmentally sensitive areas

Module 5:

Use of Remote sensing to identify and analyze potential impacts

• Pre-classification of Digital Image Processing
• Image classification
• Image processing and interpretation
• Vegetation Mapping and Monitoring
• Change detection

Module 6:

GIS modeling for environmental application

• Introduction to GIS modeling
• Taxonomy of Environmental Models in the Spatial Sciences
• Geographic Data for Environmental Modeling and Assessment
• Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in Wildlife Mapping and Modeling
• Biodiversity Mapping and Modeling
• Approaches to Spatially Distributed Hydrological Modeling in a GIS Environment

Module 7:

Participatory GIS Approaches to Environmental Impact Assessment

• participatory learning and action (PLA)
• Participatory GIS-Approach for Socioeconomic Data Collection and Impact Identification
• participatory learning and action (PLA)
• Participatory mapping tools (Mental mapping, ground mapping, participatory sketch mapping, and transect mapping and participatory three-dimensional modelling)
• Open Source web based resources such OpenStreetMap and Google Maps for participatory mapping.

Module 8:

GIS for decision support in environmental management (Case studies)

• Use of GIS and remote sensing in Communicating audit results.
• Use of GIS and remote sensing in analyzing audit results
• GIS as a tool for spatial planning

METHODOLOGY

The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.

All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Steady Development Centre certificate.

TRAINING VENUE

The training will be held at Steady Development Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.

All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ACCOMMODATION AND AIRPORT PICKUP

Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the training officer.

• Email: training@steadydevelopmentcentre.com
• Mobile: +254 718108851

 

TAILOR- MADE

This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Steady Development Centre or at a convenient location.

PAYMENT

The course fee payment should be transferred to Steady Development Centre account through bank, 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.

For further inquiries, please contact us on:

• Tel: +254 718108851
• Email: training@steadydevelopmentcentre.com

Our Upcoming Training Schedule