Principles of data quality (of species data) (GBIF, 2005)

Data quality and error in data are often neglected issues with environmental databases, modelling systems, GIS, decision support systems, etc. Too often, data are used uncritically without consideration of the error contained within, and this can lead to erroneous results, misleading information, unwise environmental decisions and increased costs. There are many data quality principles that apply when dealing with species data and especially with the spatial aspects of those data. These principles are involved at all stages of the data management process. A loss of data quality at any one of these stages reduces the applicability and uses to which the data can be adequately put.

RL: Collecting, storing and disseminating species related data will always involve trade-offs. The report by GBIF and Arthur Chapman provides a structured way of handling such issues. the report is a good, although demanding, read.
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Biologists produce global map of plant biodiversity

Biologists at the University of California, San Diego and the University of Bonn in Germany have produced a global map of estimated plant species richness. Covering several hundred thousand species, the scientists say their global map is the most extensive map of the distribution of biodiversity on Earth to date.

RL: Reading articles on estimated plant richness it makes one wonder how such continental scale projects communicate with local governments and their management plans. I must admit I have not had too close a look at the provided information. But I would suggest part of a project like this was to provide interested governments with both background information and spatial data sets.
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Training for potential and existing GIS Users, Nairobi, Kenya

Course for Existing GIS Users: 29 October – 2 November 2007 & 5-9 November 2007, at a subsidised fee of K.Shs 4,000. The course has been designed for promoting optimal utilization of GIS software. It was also developed to address the user needs as captured during the assessment survey. It was noted that most users utilize less than 10% of the functionalities available in the software. This course is intended to expose the users to various functionalities in GIS open source software, Arc GIS and Map-Info? softwares. Qualifying participants will be public & private organisations, professional bodies, research organizations and interested individuals from Kenya.
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ESRI Authorized Learning Centre in Nairobi

ESRI Eastern Africa operates an ESRI Authorized Learning Centre in Nairobi, Kenya serving the Eastern Africa region. See link for further details online and course catalog and class schedule. Contact: Willy Simons, Managing Director, ESRI Eastern Africa, wsimons (at) esriea.co.ke.

Southern and East African Mineral Centre (SEAMIC) 2007 courses, Geoinformation Department, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Contact: .

• 8-12 October 2007, Principles of Remote Sensing and Applications to Geology
• 12-16 November 2007, Web Mapping and GIS Data Standards
• 21-25 January 2008, GIS Principles and Applications
• 18-22 February 2008, Geological Map Making using GIS
• 17-21 March 2008, GIS Database Development and Data Standards
• 14-18 April 2008, Applications of Remote Sensing in Geology and Mineral Exploration
• 12-16 May 2008, GIS Principles and Applications

The Geo-information department's main function is to promote the standardisation of all geo-science information available in the sub-region and its conversion into an accessible format for dissemination, with a view to improving accessibility to geo-science data to the public. Mr. Mesfin W. Gebremichael, mesfin (at) seamic.org.

Introduction to GIS and Digital Cartography

5 November - 7 December 2007, Centre for Information and Communication Technology (CICT), University College of Lands and Architectural Studies (UCLAS), Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The course lasts 5 weeks and costs U$500 per participant or equivalent Tanzanian Shillings. Note that the course fees do not include meals and accommodation costs. For more information, contact Mr. U. Guido, Training Coordinator, guido at uclas.ac.tz, or Dr. K.M. Rwiza, Director, rwiza at uclas.ac.tz.

2007-2008 Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Seed Money

The call is for GBIF data content development in response to data needs associated with clearly identified global biodiversity issues, such as (but not limited to) global climate change, invasive alien species, the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, 2010 indicators or pollinators. Projects may be to provide dataset(s) of occurrence data, names data, or both.
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Tanzanian Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA) Open Competitive System

Under the Open Competitive System, researchers are publicly invited to apply for funding for analytical research projects on themes derived from REPOA's research agenda. Junior and senior researchers, representatives from the public, private sector and NGOs may apply. Individual and joint proposals are acceptable; as well as a joint application from different institutions. REPOA encourages teamwork on the research project to promote inter-disciplinary research. A non-Tanzania based organisation or researcher would be expected to have well established links with local research bodies or a local researcher. Students undertaking a PhD by thesis also are eligible. To obtain more information about the research grants offered by REPOA go to Research Grants Overview and see guidelines. Contact: repoa (at) repoa.or.tz.

Google positions available in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya

Google in East Africa are hiring:

• Geographic Consultant
• Geographic Supervisor

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