Location:  San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California, Mexico
Dates:  March 6-12, 2006
Instructors:  Michelle Kinzel, Joe Breman and Peter Etnoyer
Cost: $1,399.00 per person

Introducing Exploring Marine GIS: An ArcGIS Field and Lab Course

Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation is hosting this immersion week in geospatial sciences and marine biology in San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico, March 6-12, 2006. 

GIS Course Summary:
This week long adventure is for both beginning and advanced GIS users, and will also be suitable for those with some experience looking to integrate GIS into their own conservation projects or professional work. The workshop will include 2 days of instructor led training covering an "Introduction to ArcGIS 9", using ESRI training materials and taught by an ESRI authorized instructor.  Participants will integrate these skills and perform exercises in an exploration of the Marine Data Model, and discover how data modeling is used in GIS.  In addition, participants will work side by side with CERF's graduate students and marine mammal biologists, collecting data on the distribution, behavior and ecology of gray whales occupying winter breeding grounds. The course will include data collection in the lagoon and the opportunity to learn how to use some of the tools used by marine mammal scientists, digital images, image processing software, CERF's 10 year photo identification catalog, GPS units and underwater sonar tracking devices will all be incorporated in the field work sessions.  Participants will contribute to CERF's ongoing research projects, study the concepts of data modeling and management, learn and integrate the skills used in photo id cataloging, participate in behavioral monitoring of gray whale mothers and calves and learn the basic requirements for creating a working geodatabase for conservation planning.  Additionally, those with ongoing projects or datasets are encouraged to bring their work with them, as we will have a Data Modeler and GIS Consultant on hand to work with these participants.

Topics Covered in this Course:
. Introduction to ArcGIS 9
. Marine Data Model
. GIS in conservation research and planning
. Geospatial science; building a geodatabase, using GPS data in
scientific research
. Marine Mammal Science; Gray whale migratory behavior, photo
identification cataloging, and gray whale

Wilderness experience:
This trip will follow our format for wilderness expeditions supported and funded by the Earthwatch Institute.  Please browse our website at http://www.earthwatch.org/site/pp2.asp?c=dsJSK6PFJnH&b=1147575 for photos and details on the San Ignacio Lagoon Grey Whale Migration trip. This experience is ideal to learn the basics of ArcGIS 9, and provides the opportunity to consult with GIS professionals, using these tools to further professional and academic goals.

Laguna San Ignacio is located within the Vizcaino Biosphere Preserve, and has gained international recognition and protection as a whale sanctuary (read more at http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=554
).  This trip will offer many chances to observe wildlife, explore the diversity and wonder of desert and marine ecosystems and experience one of the wildest places on earth.  Whale watching, mud flat excursions, mangrove explorations, bird watching, desert hikes and cultural experiences will all be offered throughout the week. 

Logistics:
The cost of the trip is $1,399.00 and includes all GIS instruction, course materials, ESRI ArcGIS 9 trial version software, meals, camping accommodations, whale watching trips and naturalist led hikes.  The food will be authentic Baja cuisine, and the lodging will be semi-rustic camping accommodations.

Participants will need to arrange transportation to and from Baja California, Mexico.  There are 2 options for joining the team in the field.  Participants can fly in and out of Loreto Airport or they can drive to the lagoon campsite themselves.  Please contact trip organizer for more information.

Space is limited!  Please contact Michelle Kinzel for instructions on registering for this course This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Instructors: 
Michelle Kinzel, Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation,  http://cerf.bc.ca/baja/whales.asp

Joe Breman, Environmental Systems Research Institute

Peter Etnoyer, Aquanautix Consulting
http://www.aquanautix.com/