The course provides an introduction for marine data managers to the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the marine environment using ArcGIS software. This includes acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation of data to create products in support of marine and coastal programs. Aims and Objectives: - Provide an introduction to GIS for marine applications - Focus on some publicly available marine datasets - Show the potential applications of GIS for the marine environment Learning Outcomes - Knowledge and understanding of GIS, spatial data, raster and vector models - Core tasks involved in the GIS analysis process including data acquisition, management, manipulation and analysis, and presentation and output - Core functionality of ArcMap, Arc Catalogue and Arc Toolbox - Creating and editing spatial data - Awareness of coastal and marine GIS data applications Target Audience Target audiences include, but are not limited to, the following: - Marine data managers - Staff of NODCs working with Marine Geographic Information Systems - University graduates NOTE: priority will be given to participants originating from South Eastern Asia and Pacific Islands. UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality. Therefore applications from women are strongly encouraged. Course Pre-requisites: • Candidates should have a working knowledge of marine data and formats and preferably be working in institution which is responsible for the management of marine data • This training course is not an introduction to GIS so candidates are expected to have some previous experience in the use of GIS • Working knowledge of English A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all successful students.

Interested candidates can apply for the course by the submitting of the following documents: - OTGA Application Form - Short CV (max 3 pages) - Endorsement letter (from employer or host organisation, in case of asking for sponsorship) Both full- and co-sponsoring are available for a limited number of participants. Sponsored participants will receive one or a combination of the following cost items: 1) air ticket, 2) living and accommodation support, 3) tuition fee and 4) medical insurance. The selection of participants who will be sponsored will take into consideration: - Applicant country’s development status (preference will be given to LIFDCs) - Endorsement of the candidate’s application by his/her employer and any co-sponsoring - Expected impact of the training for the applicants’ institution - Possibility of any co-sponsorship (co-sponsorship is an asset for selection) UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality. Therefore applications from women are strongly encouraged. Complete applications should be sent by e-mail directly to the OceanTeacher Global Academy Training Coordinator (Claudia Delgado: claudia.delgado@iode.org) and the Kuala Terengganu Regional Training Centre Coordinator (Aidy M Muslim: aidy@umt.edu.my). We underline that the deadline for registration is 30 August 2015.