The Society runs an annual programme of courses that provide practical training for field researchers and expedition members. Spaces are still available for our upcoming Geo-technology in the Field workshop for those using low-cost GPS, GIS and remote sensing for mapping and monitoring.
Last week’s ‘Participatory Field Techniques in Sustainable Development’ workshop, led by development professional David Measures.
Geography Outdoors, the Society’s centre supporting field research, exploration and outdoor learning, runs a number of courses focused on field safety and research techniques throughout the year. Seminars and workshops bring specialists together to provide hands-on training for field researchers and expedition members.
Last week saw three field techniques courses take place:
Expedition Field Medicine – developed by members of the Society’s Expedition Medicine advisory group, the two-day course consisted of discussions, lectures and practical sessions designed for those departing on expeditions to remote parts of the world where medical help is not readily available.
Participatory field techniques in Sustainable Development – the two-day workshop included guidance on a range of practical research approaches and techniques when working with local people on overseas field projects.
Fieldwork mapping and monitoring party – Over 100 people attended a series of 10 minute TED-talk style presentations on low-cost, accessible hardware and software technologies for field research. These included: missing maps; crowdsourcing & OpenStreetMap (OSM); low-cost research drones and tethered remote sensing platforms; using Arduino micro-controllers in the field; and mobile apps for fieldwork.
For those wanting to study these topics in more detail, there are still places available for Geography Outdoors’ Geo-technology in the Field: GIS, GPS, and Remote sensing for fieldwork workshop, taking place at the Society on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 April. Designed for those looking to use geo-technologies such as GIS, GPS and remote sensing as a part of a field research project or expedition, this practical workshop will cover how different technologies can be used for field research, with a particular focus on open-source and accessible GIS, GPS and hardware for environmental monitoring. The emphasis will be on inexpensive, research-grade hardware and software with a do-it-yourself element. Attendees will also have the opportunity to build their own Arduino based data logger and meteorological sensors on day two.
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