The work package 6 is responsible for capacity building and training programmes. The fourth workshop focused on the required training measures and capacity building activities for AEGOS Phase 2.

During day one, the topics and outcomes of the previous AEGOS workshops and meeting were presented with a subsequent discussion about the possible resulting impacts on the work of Work package 6. Particularly the interactions with capacity building activities of GEOSS, the idea of an AEGOS compliant label and the required cost estimation for planned actions in supporting the partners have to be taken into consideration.

To follow the AEGOS-specific training, the partner institution must have advanced skills in data management, data processing and information technology. The evaluation of the questionnaire “Matrix for the assessment of the existing qualification level of professions” was presented.

1. The analysis showed that in the field of information technology most of the interviewed institutions have general knowledge of network administration, in installing software or an operating system on a server. Also in the fields of data management and data processing, the partner institutions stated their ability to perform some quality checks. In addition, they replied that they have good experience in data entry, cartography and in the common technical standards for the data storage. However, there is a lack of knowledge in database administration and data modelling. There is also no advanced knowledge in server administration and hardware configuration. In particular, only a few institutions have staff with skills in scripting or procedural languages, which are required for the development of web applications. Hence, support must be given to the institutions that have only staff with basic and intermediate skills in the above-mentioned topics to reach the minimum required knowledge baseline.
2. Following this, two kinds of training levels were defined during the second workshop day: Basic training for those who have no or minor knowledge in data management, network, hardware and computer configuration and/or no knowledge in the use of Open Source GIS. Foundation training for those who have existing good knowledge in data management and in setting up and protecting networks and computers, but who need training in the preparation of their local/national data and IT- infrastructure for standardised data dissemination via the internet. Further, introduction in Service-oriented architectures and the principles of INSPIRE, GEOSS and OneGeology are planned for this training.
3. To implement and operate the AEGOS SDI, specialised skills in data management, data visualisation and information technology are required. Therefore several topics, with focus on setting up OGC Web Services, data mapping and modelling and also with particular emphasis on security aspects within the maintenance of service-oriented architectures have been defined for the expert training.
4. It was decided to offer AEGOS-compliant training at all three levels (basic, foundation and expert) by selected partners. A list of suitable African institutions able to present this training has to be compiled for a concept note. Universities are taken into account for the mid-/ and long term qualification. They should be involved at the early stages of the AEGOS project Phase 2 in order to contribute to the curriculum of AEGOS-compliant training. By the end of the 2nd Phase, AEGOS intends to embed AEGOS-compliant training in the curricula of universities with a focus on environmental or geoscientific education. In addition, regional centres should be responsible for the organisation and execution of training. It was agreed that the training has to be delivered in English, French and Portuguese.

S. HAß (BGR, Germany) Work package 6 member