In association with WWF-India supported by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment & Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, as part of the National Science Day-2015, the Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri campus, organized a one day Workshop on Geoinformation Technology for better Natural Resource Management on February 27, 2015. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. C. Gopinathan Pillai (Principal, ASAS) in a function presided over by Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese (State Director, WWF-India). Dr. M. Viswanathan (HOD and Chairman, Dept. of Chemistry), Dr. Smitha Chandran S. and Mr. Vinod P. G. spoke on the occasion. The technical sessions on various topics like Basics of Geoinformation Technology & its applications, Geospatial & Utility Network Analysis in GIS, Principles of Remote Sensing and its applications were led by Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese, Mr. Vinod P.G. and Dr. A. R. R. Menon.

Geoinformation is the technology for acquisition, analysis, storage, visualisation and utilization of geospatial data using information technology. In particular structuring and visualizing geospatial data and the development and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Geo-information technology refers to an integration of knowledge and technologies involving Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to be applied in a wide range of work. Remote sensing is an important technology for studying elements on the global surfaces and atmosphere. The objective is to study and monitor changes of natural environment by choosing data from a wide variety of high-resolution satellites, and applying them for individual purposes. Furthermore, Remote Sensing data can be retrieved quickly, and able to respond immediately to certain demands, while the GIS can manage spatial data, analyze and apply the data for efficient management of natural resources. In addition, the GNSS can be used for quick and precise area-based positioning and monitoring of human and object movements. Geo-information technology is, therefore, an important science used by many agencies for a wide range of development, such as natural resources and environment, agriculture, city planning, traffic and transportation, military stability, natural disasters, and business trade. Results of analysis with GIS technology can be applied to any decision-making plan quickly and accurately.

The training program will concentrate on developing a basic understanding of Geoinformation technologies available today. The various sessions will provide a comprehensive understanding of how GIS works in an integrated manner and how they support better decision making.