Training for Decision Support Systems based on earth observation

Increasing intensity and cumulative occurrences of natural and man-made hazards all over the world require detailed and up-to-date information on environmental parameters and processes.
International projects and initiatives like GMES and GEOSS have been implemented to face lack of information in fields of environment and mankind. One of the projects' outcomes is the continuous development and implementation of Remote Sensing and Earth Observation (EO) technologies to monitor such hazards and disasters. New sensors and semi-automated EO-applications deliver continuous improving information to face these requirements.
To make efficient use of the technical capabilities, the demand for a constant development of professional knowledge and Capacity Building (CB) is increasing rapidly. Furthermore a permanent documentation and management of the existing knowledge is a growing demand.
This paper provides an overview about the DLR capacity building strategy for EO decision support systems as well as experiences of several Capacity Building activities of different intercultural learning environments. Projects such as WISDOM, GITEWS and others, provide tailor made decision support systems (DSS) based on EO-technologies to regional authorities and governments for early warning and adjusted disaster management.
In case of WISDOM an Information System for the Mekong Delta, containing information from the fields of hydrology, sociology, information technology and earth observation was designed and implemented. Within GITEWS a DSS has been developed by DLR that disburdens decisions in case of Tsunamis by incorporating measurements from multiple kinds of sensors. The critical issue and key for a successful usage of such decision support systems after the project’s end are continuous training and intercultural adapted capacity building measures. As an unconditional need, the officers in charge need profound knowledge of methods and information management, geospatial data handling and earth observation techniques. These capacities offer them comprehensive assessment, interpretation and establishment of various up-to-date Earth observation and GIS data sets. Subsequently new spatial information products function as inherent data sources for further management and decisions making processes.
Naturally the Environment and Security Section of the German Remote Sensing Data Center of DLR offers customised trainings and tailor made course programs as an integral part of their project contribution to WISDOM and GITEWS. These Capacity Building instruments comprises of modules and continuous education programmes for remote sensing scientists and PhD students, personnel of international projects as well as affiliates of national EO-Institutions and other partner organisations. The overall ambition is to strengthen the competencies of scientists, decision makers and team leaders, as well as constant support for expanding the technical, administrative and institutional capacities and structures.