This 5-day training course aimed at developing the skills of members of the Food Security Dynamic Atlas Network in managing and using the Dynamic Atlas Suite. More specifically, it concentrated on developing their skills in using the Dynamic Knowledge Base and Dynamic Maps modules.

It builds on a 3-day training course which took place in May 2008. The course was organized by the Direction Générale des Prévisions et des Statistiques Agricoles (DGPSA – Ministry of Agriculture) and the EC/FAO Food Security Information for Action Programme.

Main results

Participants are now more familiar with the Dynamic Atlas and Dynamic Knowledgebase and are able to use the existing Atlas, as well as create new Atlases. In particular, participants are now able to:

• understand the concepts of topic, map layer, system datasets, system library; and
• build an Atlas structure and develop its content.

They have gained skills in using ArcView to:

• create a shapefile and copy it into the Atlas structure
• extend a table in Arcview to accommodate additional attributes

Participants are also more aware of their role in regularly updating the atlas and as data providers within their respective institutions.