The course was hosted by the Sri Lankan National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and delivered by marine data and GIS experts OceanWise and Caris. The course was supported financially by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). Delegates came from countries throughout the North Indian Ocean, and Southern Africa and Islands regions, including Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
The course implements, in a practical manner, the outputs of IHO Marine SDI Working Group, described in the publication of a Guidance Note on Marine SDI (IHO C-17), downloadable from the IHO website. Recommendations included that the IHO supports improvements in understanding and capability of hydrographic offices in this emerging topic through its capacity building programme. Other recommendations included that SDI become a standing item on the agendas of Regional Hydrographic Commissions. These recommendations were accepted and a programme of work, to be delivered via IHO Member States, put in place.
Feedback from delegates was excellent, demonstrating the importance of good data management practices, not just to support emerging uses of hydrographic and oceanographic data, but also as a critical foundation for all hydrographic office activities. With continuing support, there is a much better chance of the IHO’s general, and the MSDI Working Group’s specific aims being met through more effective data management, database design and organisational efficiency. The authors wish to thank NARA and all delegates for their support and tremendous hard work during the course, which contributed immensely to its success.
About
OceanWise Limited is an independent company specialising in all aspects of marine environmental data acquisition, data and knowledge management and GIS. For more information, please contact John Pepper, Marketing Director, on [email protected]” data-mce-href=”mailto:[email protected]“>[email protected] or visit the OceanWise website at www.oceanwise.eu.
CARIS solutions deliver cutting-edge bathymetric innovations, seamless feature data management, product extraction and distribution to support a diverse product range. For more information, please contact Andy Hoggarth Marketing and Sales Manager on [email protected]” data-mce-href=”mailto:[email protected]“>[email protected] or visit the Caris website at www.caris.com.
