Overview The course provides an overview and hands on GIS applications pertaining to operational geospatial services pertaining to oceanography and coastal zone using ArcGIS software. This comprises the data acquisition, processing, analysis and interpretation of spatial data and generate the specific thematic inputs to marine and coastal programs. Aims and Objectives - To Provide an introduction to GIS for marine applications - Utilization of open source spatial data - To provide hands on GIS applications pertaining to ocean and coast 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: - Ocean and coastal data managers - Staff and researchers working on marine GIS applications University graduates NOTE: priority will be given to participants originating from the Indian Ocean rim countries. 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

Interested candidates should submit the following documents: - OTGA Application Form (available on this webpage) - Endorsement letter (from employer or host organisation, in case of asking for sponsorship) - copy of passport's first page Both full- and co-sponsoring are available for a limited number of participants. 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) NOTE: priority will be given to participants originating from the Indian Ocean rim countries. UNESCO is committed to promote gender equality. Therefore, applications from women are strongly encouraged. Applications (OTGA Application Form and Endorsement Letter) should be sent by email to Dr. Claudia Delgado (OTGA Project Manager, c.delgado@unesco.org) and Dr. B. Madhusudhana Rao (OTGA India Regional Training Centre Coordinator, bmrao@incois.gov.in / itcoocean@incois.gov.in) no later than 15 November 2015. Send all documents in one single email with the subject ‘Marine GIS for Operational Oceanography course application'. Do not send any unrequested documents as these will be not considered. We underline that the deadline for applications is 15 November 2015.