Human Resources Development Plan
For Remote Sensing in Malaysia
2.1.2Specialist training programme
Specialist training is a critical component of MACRES's plans to invest in new technology and is an effective tool that management can use to direct programmes an dprojects toward the Centre's strategic goals (such as the implementation of NAREM programme ). The priorizing of the specialist training, with respect to topics and timing by division, is coordinated with MACRES's organizational development strategy and plans for future growth.
The functions for each division and the backgrounds of the staff currently in the division were considered during preparation of the specialized divisional training programmes. For illustration, Table 1 presents a typical specialized divisional training programme topics for a particular division (Spatial Data and Analysis ) at MACRSE (similar divisional training programmes were also produced for the other eight divisions of MACRES). For the purposes of planning the Specialist training programme has been subdivided into two main components: Professional development, and Function-defined skills development.
2.1.2.1 Professional development programme
Where individuals lack the educational background requirement for a particular job and are interested in longer-term professional development, then the individuals training plan includes graduate courses. MACRES habitat has the long term objective that all research officers to be graduated at least at a the Master degree level with some of them at the Ph.D level.
Fields of study within university faculties or departments have been identified in each division's table of Specialist training programme topics. The present degrees of staff in each division were used in the topic selection process. The primary fields of study relevant for graduate studies in remote sensing and related technologies are found in university faculties or department, such as electrical and systems, engineering, information and computer system sciences, environmental and resource studies, earth and space sciences. Fields of study for non-remote sensing related studies include: graphics design, publications and multimedia, business development and marketing, technology and engineering, management, operations management, human resources and training, information management and infrastructure management.
2.1.2.2 Function-defined skills developed
Learning to use the equipment in production is the primary focus of training for some divisions, while preparing to use the new data sources in operational programmes is the focus of training requirements in other divisions. Every division has its unique function-defined training requirements which fit into MACRES's strategic vision for the Centre. MACRE is now procuring new remote sensing equipment, which will have significant impact on the tasks carried by each by division. Staff will be trained to operate and maintain the major sub-systems of the new Satellite Ground Receiving Station. Application R&D staff is to be trained to be use the new information extraction and data applications systems.
Table 1. Special training programme topics for Spatial Data Analysis division
| Main functions of division |
| Research in the application of image-based GIS for resources and the environment |
| Establish an integrated image-based GIS and attribute databases |
| Research in GPS, DEM, and related discipline |
| Provide consultancy services in the specific areas of image-based GIS |
| Establish digital topographic database |
| Professionals Development |
| Graduate Degrees |
Fields of Study |
| Environmental and resources studies |
Integrated natural resource management informations systems Coastal zone management and environmental protection |
| Earth and space activities |
Sustainable resource management issues and EO programs |
| Geogratics /remote sensing specialties |
GIS applications, DEM, orthoimages, Stereo images, 3D data representation, digital topographic databases, GPS and GIS integration, interferometry |
| Develop and maintain current technical knowledge and contacts |
| Objective: To have all researcher offers attend at least one professional development activity per year. |
Visits to / from organizations carrying out similar types of work
Consideration should be given to benefits / disadvantages of sending two staff from different MACRES divisions to same facility, or to sending two SDA Division staff to same facility. |
Conferences, workshops, short courses
1-2 year, depending on whether he/she also attends courses or receives training as part of technology transfer projects.Priority should be given to attending meetings where staff would present results of their work, and to participation in meetings where work on joint foreign projects would be carried out. |
| Review of publications, electronic media and independent research into images-based GIS applications for natural resources and environmental management |
| Function-defined Skills Training |
Application of image-based GIS for resources and the environment
User training for all staff when new IPS and GIS systems delivered or software installed, or as determined by supervisor
Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants/agencies/venders:
- GIS Management and Operations
- Managing GIS Implementation
- Database Management Systems for GIS
- Map Projection Systems and GIS
|
Integrated image-based GIS and attribute databases
Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants / agencies / vendors:
- Spatial Data Conversion and Integration, Cartographic Design
- Digital Image Manipulation, Geographical Database management
- Color Printing technology
- Prototyping for user markets and market analysis
|
Research in GPS, DEM and related disciplines
Useful workshop topics providing by training consultants / agencies
- RS/GIS and Business Geographics
- GPS Theory, Applications and Integration with RS/GIS
- GIS in Infrastructure Management, DEM Production
|
Consultancy services-courses /agencies
Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants / agencies
- Consulting Process, Management of Research Contracts
- Managing Geomatics Research Projects
- Quality and Excellence in Client Service
|
Digital topographic database
Useful workshop topics provided by training consultants / agencies
- Digital Orthoimaginery Production, Georeferncing and Geocoding
|
2.2 Technology Transfer Programme
MACRES has recognized the need for technology transfer as a means of quickly empowering itself, its partners and its user and its user community to the new technologies and commercial opportunities. The technology transfer programme is working in close association with other initiatives, such as the implementation of the Satellite Ground Receiving Station, but has the specific overall objective to improve the nation-wide exploitation of remote sensing technology, for the management of Malaysia's natural resources and protection of the environment .
In order to realize the stated objective, strategic national scope technology transfer initiatives are currently underway, namely the NAREM programme including the Satellite Image Mapping project. The technology transfer for these projects relies mainly on specific on-the-job training activities of MACRES's staff at trainer's facilities as well as short-term (1-2 weeks) and mid-term (3-6) visits of experts at MACRES.
