http://www.sadl.kuleuven.be/sadl/cursus_en.htm#VLIR2007

The training will take place from 27 August to 7 September 2007 in Leuven, Belgium

Open Source Software (OSS) is technically defined as software of which the source code is available to the public, or “open”. Use, modification and redistribution of the code is possible by everyone as long as the set terms and conditions are respected. FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) is OSS that is freely available. Over the last few years the development and use of OSS and FOSS has gained importance within the geospatial community. OSS4G and FOSS4G (Free and Open Source Software for Geomatics) have become popular acronyms. However, the extremely dynamic and rather unstructured offer of (F)OSS4G-solutions, the lack of formal support and the reluctance to engage in new lines of technology have so far prevented many users to take the step to (F)OSS despite important potential benefits.

Objectives
The short training is designed to help participants to

Evaluate the potential of (F)OSS4G for the discipline of physical land evaluation;
Identify strong and weak points of FOSS4G-solutions and ways to handle them;
Acquire hands-on experience with the GRASS- and related FOSS4G like Quantum-GIS and simultaneously, evaluate in detail the potential of the GRASS-software for WINDOWS, version 6.3 or higher, for spatial data handling and processing in the context of physical land evaluation.

In addition, the training will provide an update regarding
The evolving concepts of physical land evaluation;
The concepts and functionality of Geographic Information Systems;
The principles of earth remote sensing for acquisition of land-related data for further processing in GIS
The programme is conceived in a ‘Train the Trainer’ spirit. An important objective is to motivate and help the participants to further spread the knowledge and skills gained.

Targeted participants
Participants have a background in the management and/or planning of natural resources (soil, water, vegetation, climate), They are familiar with maps and PC’s. GIS is not completely new. They are professionals or researchers or future professionals or researchers dealing with rural development and planning. They have the ambition to play a leading role within their current and/or future organisations regarding education and training in land evaluation and land use planning, GIS and earth remote sensing.

Content of the training
A detailed overview of the training programme is presented below.

Requirements for participation
For successful participation, participants must

Have obtained a qualification of higher education (or equivalent through experience) in natural resource management and/or land use planning;
Have basic knowledge regarding physical geography, land evaluation, agri- and silviculture and ecology;
Be proficient in English. Candidates who have not had basic education in English must provide proof of thorough and active English knowledge;
Submit a letter of motivation, in which the importance of the training programme is explained;

Participants applying for a scholarship need in addition
To provide a recommendation letter, preferably from an academic person, who can evaluate the participant thoroughly.

Training Location
Geo-Institute of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
Celestijnenlaan 200E
BE-3001 Leuven-Heverlee

Practical arrangements
Campus accommodation is available for all participants from developing countries. For participants, eligible for a VLIR-funded scholarship, flight tickets are booked and delivered by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Insurance for the duration of the course is also included for this group. After confirmation of admittance to the course you will be contacted for further practical arrangements.

Participation fee
a) Candidates from developing countries (according to the OESO/DAC list used by VLIR-UOS), who do not have any link with North or South programmes supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR), are eligible for a VLIR-funded scholarship. This scholarship covers - based on sound evidence - participation fee, flight from/to the home country to Brussels, accommodation, local insurance, social activities, local transport and – depending on the average flight cost – a contribution to daily subsistence expenditures. There is no participation fee. 12 scholarships are available.
b) Candidates from developing countries, who are active in North or South programmes supported by VLIR, are not eligible for a scholarship. The participation fee for this group is 500 Euro for the full training. No VAT is applicable. Travel, local transport, insurance, accommodation and subsistence must be covered by the participant (Total, including participation fee, estimated at 2.500 EUR). 8 seats are reserved for this category. Candidates from this group need to present a IUC form signed by their promoter.
c) The participation fee for other participants is 2.420 Euro for the full training or 1.210 EUR for one week participation . Both fees include 21% VAT. 10 seats are reserved for this category. Seats of this category, not occupied by 30 March, will be offered to students at a reduced price to be determined.

Candidates will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis and will be notified ASAP about their admittance to the training. Early application is strongly recommended! The maximum number of participants is based on 2 participants per PC. Final subscription date is 30th March 2007.

More information and further updates regarding the programme will be published on the website.

Contact persons

Stefaan Vande Walle
Tel: +32 16 329727
E-mail: stefaan.vandewalle@sadl.kuleuven.be
Ludo Engelen
Tel: +32 16 329732
E-mail: ludo.engelen@sadl.kuleuven.be