Keywords: Training, NASDA, Remote Sensing

Abstract
NASDA organizes some training programs on Remote Sensing and GIS technology. Under contract with NASDA, In cooperation with AIT, RESTEC has five training courses in a year at AIT campus in Bangkok, Thailand and some other places. The Purpose of the training program is mainly to promote the continuous use of data from Japanese Earth observation satellites, such as JERS-1 and ADEOS, which will contribute to the development of this region. NASDA annually holds the Regional Seminar on Earth Observation for Tropical Eco-system Management. Senior-level officials from UNESCAP member countries participate in it. Hands-on training during it is provided to the participants from the local-host country.

Introduction
National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) was established 30 years ago, under the National Space Development Agency Law, to act as the nucleus for the development of space and to promote the peaceful use of space. NASDA is responsible for the following tasks, based on the Japanese Space Development Program enacted by the Prime Minister:

• Development of satellites (including space experiments and the space station) and launch vehicles, launching and tracking the craft.
• Development of methods, facilities and equipment required for the above.

In order to obtain necessary knowledge and experience for conducting the above tasks in the Earth observation field, NASDA organizes some seminars and training programs in cooperation with the related organizations. These activities can contribute to the capacity-building of the Asian countries.

This paper presents the outline of the training programs on remote sensing which NASDA organizes mainly for the Asian countries.

Training Programs

AIT Training Program on Remote Sensing
Under contract with NASDA, in cooperation with Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) has five training courses in a year at AIT campus in Bangkok, Thailand (two weeks, 15-20 participants) and some other places (one week, 20-40 participants). The Purpose of the training program is mainly to promote the continuous use of data from Japanese Earth observation satellites, such as JERS-1 and ADEOS, which will contribute to the development of this region.

The first course, Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System, was held in Nov. 13 to 24, 1995 at AIT. Caravan style training and SAR data application training was added as new options in 1997.

The history of this program is as follows, 1996

The Second course, Remote Sensing & Geographic Information system (Jul. 15-31) 1997

• Caravan Type (The Philippines): Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System (Jun. 23-27)
• Microwave Remote Sensing and Application of SAR Data (Sep. 15-26)
• Advanced GIS in Land Use Planning (Oct. 20-31)
• Advanced GIS in Watershed Management (Nov. 17-28)
• Caravan Type (Nepal): Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System (Dec. 5-11) 1998

• Advanced GIS in Watershed Management (July 13-24)
• Caravan Type (Indonesia) – Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System (Aug. 19-23)
• Microwave Remote Sensing and Application of SAR Data (Aug. 31 – Sep. 11)
• Caravan Type (Vietnam) – Remote Sensing & Geographic Information System (Oct. 26 – 30)
• Advanced GIS in Disaster Mitigation, Floods (Nov. 30 – Dec. 11) 1999