The ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, hosted a three-day national workshop on ‘Geo-Spatial Analytical Tools for Natural Resource Management.’ The event aimed at equipping participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills to effectively apply geo-spatial technologies in managing agricultural and natural resources.
Key Training Highlights
The workshop offered comprehensive training in geo-spatial techniques with a focus on real-world applications. Participants engaged in theoretical sessions and hands-on exercises, covering topics such as:
- Spatial Data Classification: Techniques for organizing and analyzing spatial datasets.
- Map Preparation for Precision Agriculture: Methods to create detailed maps to optimize agricultural practices and improve productivity.
- Crop Health Monitoring: Tools for assessing crop health and addressing issues promptly.
- Drone Image Processing: Analysis of drone-captured images for monitoring agricultural lands.
- Area Estimation Using SAR Data: Applications of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for tasks like yield prediction and resource allocation.
- Suitability Analysis: Assessing land for various agricultural and natural management purposes.
- Catchment Delineation: Understanding water resource management through catchment area mapping.
Focus on Accessible Geo-Spatial Tools
The training sessions emphasized the use of open-source software such as QGIS, SNAP and R, ensuring participants could access powerful tools without the financial constraints of proprietary software. These platforms provided practical capabilities for geo-spatial data analysis, enabling attendees to implement cost-effective solutions in their work.
QGIS is a versatile software platform that offers exceptional tools for spatial visualization and decision-making, allowing users to create outstanding maps for desktop, mobile, cloud and print media. Its class-leading cartographic design features enable users to bring maps to life with extensive design options. The platform’s layout designer facilitates the creation of professional, large-format print maps, while its robust reporting tools support the production of atlases and reports combining maps with tabular content.
The Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) is a unified software architecture developed by Brockmann Consult, Skywatch, Sensar and C-S, designed for Earth observation (EO) data processing and analysis. SNAP’s features include extensibility, portability, a modular rich client platform, generic EO data abstraction, tiled memory management and a graph processing framework. It supports numerous sensors beyond Sentinel sensors and is available free of charge from ESA/ESRIN.
R, a free software environment for statistical computing and graphics, is a powerful platform for data analysis. Developed as a GNU project, R offers extensive capabilities similar to those of the S language, including linear and nonlinear modeling, statistical tests, time-series analysis, and clustering. Its flexibility and extensibility make it a preferred choice for research in statistical methodology. R also produces publication-quality plots, complete with mathematical symbols and formulae, ensuring users retain full control over design. Available under the GNU General Public License, R runs on various platforms and provides an open-source route for participation in statistical research.
Also read: FAO Strengthens Desert Locust Monitoring and Forecasting Capacities in India
Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices
A central theme of the workshop was developing a decision-support framework for sustainable agricultural production management. By integrating geo-spatial technologies, participants learned ways to address challenges such as resource scarcity, food security, and the effects of climate change. The training highlighted the importance of data-driven decisions in fostering resource-efficient and sustainable farming practices.
The workshop also served as a collaborative space for researchers and students to exchange ideas and discuss the practical applications of geo-spatial tools. These interactions are expected to inspire innovative uses of these technologies in agriculture and other fields, while fostering new partnerships.
The programme aimed to equip researchers and students with skills to address complex challenges in agriculture and environmental management. The training is expected to have a long-term impact, empowering attendees to apply geo-spatial technologies with confidence and precision.
