SPGA introduces new mapping software system |14 March 2023
Participants familiarising themselves with the new software during the training
- Users follow one-week training
The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), in collaboration with the GOS-UNDP-GEF Ridge to Reef Project has introduced the online ArcGIS Pro Training.
The training, conducted by representatives of the College of Esri, based in South Africa, is taking place at the SPGA head office at Orion Mall.
Participating partners include the Ministry of Lands and Housing (MLH), Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), department of Climate Change, department of Agriculture and the department of Environment.
ArcGIS Pro is a full-featured professional desktop Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application. With ArcGIS Pro, users can explore, visualise, and analyse data; create 2D maps and 3D scenes; and share their work to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise portal.
SPGA’s chief executive, Allen Cedras, explained that the authority had organised the specialised training for its staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in the management of protected areas, as well as those from other associated government departments and ministries working with maps and charts.
The SPGA has about 14 sites under its responsibility and the GIS training will help the staff with mapping of these areas, to better capture their different information.
“It is the most modern method, which would allow an organisation to know what is happening on your site and what information they have,” said Mr Cedras.
He said prior to ArcGIS, they were using a free online software system named QGIS.
“Yes anyone can use QGIS or other software but ArcGIS Pro has many more advantages and features, giving us more sphere to be able to represent the information we collect,” he added.
For her part, SPGA’s head of Terrestrial Research, Nathalie Dufresne, who is also a participant in the training, said the new mapping software is a very professional software, which can be used to complete their entire work.
“I am very happy that we finally have a professional mapping software where we can do all that is required on it,” she said.
During the five-day training, participants will be learning different modules, starting with the basics such as how to work the software, ways to store and retrieve information and how it can be presented to the public.
Diane Larame