Mona GeoInformatics Institute

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten - GIS training programme led by Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) out of Kingston, Jamaica.

Ministry of VROMI Successfully Hosts GIS Training Program- 15 Participants Graduated.

https://smn-news.com/index.php/st-maarten-st-martin-news/46370-ministry-of-vromi-successfully-hosts-gis-training-program-15-participants-graduated.html

Ministry of VROMI Successfully Hosts GIS Training Program- 15 Participants Graduated

The GIS training programme was led by Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) out of Kingston, Jamaica.

https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/Ministry-of-VROMI-Successfully-Hosts-GIS-Training-Program--15-Participants-Graduated.aspx

Please note!

Contact us for more information.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

Job opportunity at

for a Software Developer.

Send résumé to [email protected] by Nov. 12, 2024.

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MGI Executes GIS Capacity-Building Programme at the Government of St. Maarten

From October 21 to November 1, 2024, the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) conducted a successful Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capacity-building programme at the Ministry of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Infrastructure & Environment) of Sint Maarten. The program was led by MGI’s Executive Director, Mr. Luke Buchanan, who served as both Lecturer and Lead GIS Trainer. Mr. Buchanan was joined by Mrs. Shelly-Ann Robinson, Senior GIS Technician at MGI, and Miss Ajani Bissick, GIS Consultant for MGI and PhD student at McGill University, Canada. This GIS training initiative was part of the CORENA (COastal REsilience Needs Assessment) Project funded by the RESEMBID Program, aimed to enhance sustainable and resilient spatial management of Sint Maarten's marine and coastal environments.

MGI offers certified training courses in GIS related services. These courses are geared towards establishing a strong foundation, and build substantial knowledge geared towards GIS-related career opportunities. MGI has a longstanding legacy of advancing GIS capabilities across the Caribbean, enhancing regional expertise and fostering innovation. As a member of The University of the West Indies (UWI) family, MGI is committed to advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean and the wider world.

For this GIS training programme in Sint Maarten, there was an emphasis on drones (UAVs), Geo AI, data collection using open-source tools, and training in open-source GIS, particularly QGIS. In Jamaica and many other parts of the world, ESRI’s ArcGIS software is the software of choice, but our approach is more inclusive, recognizing that GIS should be accessible to all, regardless of budget constraints, hence open-source technologies are always included in the process to give participants several options.

We offered both Introductory and Advanced GIS training programmes to our stakeholders in Sint Maarten.

The Introductory GIS modules covered essential topics such as:
- Foundations of GIS and ArcGIS
- GIS Applications & Components
- Principles of Cartography
- GPS Systems & Field Mapping
- GPS-GIS Integration Techniques
- Georeferencing Methods
- GIS Project Design Fundamentals
- Spatial Data Analysis & Geoprocessing
- Introduction to Open Source GIS (QGIS)
- Integration of Drones in GIS
- Open-source tools for general data collection, GIS, and GPS data processing

In the Advanced modules, we delved deeper into:
- Advanced 2D and 3D Spatial Analysis
- Advanced Remote Sensing Techniques
- Applied Advanced Remote Sensing

GIS and geospatial sciences are deeply embedded in our daily lives, often in ways we don't consciously notice. A few ways we use GIS in our daily lives include, Navigation Apps, Weather Forecasting, Food Delivery and Ride-Sharing Apps, Retail and Marketing, Emergency Services and Disaster Response and Fitness Apps. GIS is a transformative tool that has shaped nearly every industry over the past few decades, extending far beyond academia. Companies like Apple, Tesla, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Meta, Mapbox, Waze, Target, Walmart, and DoorDash have all harnessed GIS technology to optimize operations, understand complex geospatial data, and contribute meaningfully to global progress while at the same time generate revenue.

If you are looking to enhance your GIS skills within the Caribbean or beyond, MGI is here to support your growth. Visit our website at www.monagis.com to learn more. We look forward to partnering with you on this journey.

Contact us for more information.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

GIS training

MGI recently participated in a Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) workshop, led by the NBS-ENGROSSED project team based at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus. This workshop that was held at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre in Port of Spain, Trinidad, provided a valuable opportunity for networking, sharing, learning, and collaboration, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the Caribbean to discuss the future of NbS in the region.

The workshop facilitated valuable discussions on how countries and organizations can collaborate to expand these initiatives. Representing MGI, Projects Manager Mr. Darren Fletcher actively engaged with other experts in the field, building new partnerships and strengthening existing connections to support the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) across the Caribbean. At the workshop, experts discussed how NbS could be integrated into national policies and strategies to better equip Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for future environmental challenges. This aligns with the Mona GeoInformatics Institute’s (MGI) commitment to sustainable development and resilience-building in the Caribbean.

MGI remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the University of the West Indies. This is another key partnership through the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) at UWI. MGI and UWI share a common goal of driving sustainable development in the Caribbean through research, innovation, and project implementation. Collaborating on NbS initiatives allows both institutions to pool resources and expertise, creating impactful solutions tailored to the region's needs.

As MGI deepens its exploration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), we are excited to expand our collaborations on projects that advance sustainable development and resilience across Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Initiatives like the recent workshop in Trinidad provide valuable learning experiences while fostering opportunities for future partnerships and initiatives that will significantly influence the environmental and economic landscape of the region. MGI sees significant opportunities to leverage UAV applications to enhance environmental monitoring across the Caribbean region and is keen to capitalize on them.

MGI is committed to leveraging the insights gained from the workshop and strengthening our ongoing collaborations with UWI and other regional stakeholders, as we work together to implement impactful, nature-based solutions throughout the Caribbean. In a statement provided by MGI's Executive Director Mr. Luke Buchanan, he outlined that Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are crucial in the Caribbean region due to the unique environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He outlined that Nbs are essential in the Caribbean because they address critical challenges related to climate resilience, biodiversity, economic sustainability, and community well-being, all while promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. He also indicated that he wanted to congratulate UWI and MGI for their commitment to Nbs initiatives in the region.

The MGI Global Newsletter for September 2024 is now available

This month we focus on MGI's Dedication to Robotics Training, Drone Services, and Environmental Monitoring

The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) continues to empower Jamaicans and the Caribbean region through robotics training, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in partnership with our partners. MGI also excels in drone services, supporting land use and environmental monitoring projects across Jamaica, including shoreline monitoring etc. Additionally, MGI installs cutting-edge environmental sensors to monitor key ecosystems and promote climate resilience. Together, we drive smarter decisions for Jamaica’s future.

See complete newsletter here: https://sh1.sendinblue.com/3gpivz8go79pfe.html?t=1728313381999

Contact us to learn more! www.monagis.com

Brand new Garmin 57LMT GPS devices loaded with map for Jamaica for sale at MGI. Available while stocks last.

Cost: JMD $40,000

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

MGI now offers Social Surveys and Market Research Services

We are excited to share with you that at MGI, we have the capacity to conduct comprehensive Social and Market Research Services that yield valuable insights for various research and organizational needs. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, such as ODK (Open Data Kit) and mobile tablets, we ensure efficient and accurate data collection in the field. Our analysis is powered by industry-standard tools like SPSS for quantitative research.

This combination of tools and expertise allows us to deliver high-quality results and actionable recommendations for our clients and partners.

Our services include:
- Conversion of paper surveys into efficient and accurate electronic formats 📝➡️📱
- Social data collection for large-scale projects 📊
- Market surveys utilizing smart forms of the highest industry standards which make it easier and convenient to gather insights from customers! 💡🔍
- Quantitative Data Analysis leveraging SPSS 📈
- Qualitative Data Analysis utilizing iterative methods ✍️
- Asset mapping, including the development of geospatial photo inventories 🗺️📸
- Data Visualization 📊

Contact MGI for more information.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

Mona GeoInformatics Institute – Home - Mona GeoInformatics Institute Mona GeoInformatics Institute December 13, 2022

We thrilled to be joining 10,000+ islanders from around the world as a speaker at the Virtual Island Summit! This free event brings together stakeholders to collaborate on issues around sustainable development and the future prosperity of islands.

MGI's Executive Director, Luke Buchanan will be speaking at Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) session titled "Maximizing Resource Efficiency and Minimizing Waste: Exploring Circular Economy Solutions in the Caribbean" scheduled for September 11, 2024.

To find out more and register visit www.virtualislandsummit.com

MGI Launches Key GIS Training Programme in Sint Maarten

The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Kingston, Jamaica, is currently implementing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training programme at the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) in Sint Maarten, a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the eastern Caribbean.

The project will run between August and December 2024. This initiative is a key component of the Coastal Resilience Needs Assessment (CORENA) Project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of VROMI and the non-profit conservation organization, Nature Foundation St. Maarten.

The primary goal of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the Ministry of VROMI and its partners by designing, developing, and delivering cutting-edge GIS capacity training courses in Sint Maarten.

MGI's GIS Training Programme aims to:

1. Equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of GIS components, their role in problem-solving, and their importance as decision support systems.
2. Raise awareness among participants about critical data-related aspects of GIS, including data models, data input, editing, visualization, and spatial database management.
3. Guide participants in performing spatial and temporal analyses using GIS.
4. Teach advanced geographical data analysis with a focus on coastal resilience issues.
5. Establish a solid foundation for working with geospatial data and GIS techniques to support the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources, particularly within Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Geospatial technologies have become indispensable in modern data analysis, offering precise mapping, spatial modeling, and critical decision-making capabilities across sectors such as urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and public health.

MGI remains committed to enhancing geospatial capacity across the Caribbean through education, training, knowledge sharing, resource development, research, policy contribution, and strategic partnerships.

For more information about our initiatives, please contact the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI).

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

Strengthening Our Journey Towards Safer Roads: Progress in the First and Second Quarters of 2024

In the first to second quarter of the year, from January to August 22 (2023 vs 2024), Jamaica has continued to experience in the reduction of both collisions and fatalities on our roads.

For 2024 so far, we have observed 211 collisions and 243 deaths, an improvement when compared to the 252 collisions and 211 fatalities during the same period in 2023. This represents a decrease of 16.27% in collisions and a 10.66% reduction in deaths.

For more in-depth insights and interactive data visualization, explore our Online Fatal Crash Map at:
traffic-crashmap.monagis.com

For inquiries and further information on road safety initiatives, reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us in the mission to make Jamaica's roads safer. 🚗🛵🚚

Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

Hot Off the Press!

Issue 22 of the MGI-GLOBAL Newsletter for July 2024 is now available.

In this edition, we highlight the following:
1. A successful July 2024 staging of IGT’s Fourth Coding & Robotics Rock Camp.
2. MGI’s latest efforts in installing and managing Coastal Environmental Monitoring equipment.
3. Ongoing drone monitoring of solid waste in Cassava Piece, St. Andrew.

Catch all the details here: https://sh1.sendinblue.com/3gn2e78go79pfe.html?t=1724285679488

For more information about our projects, feel free to reach out to the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI).

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

MGI Advances with Negril Shoreline Assessment Project

The Mona GeoInformatics Institute is actively engaged in a project aimed at assessing shoreline erosion risks in Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica. The primary goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of coastal erosion while equipping vulnerable communities and sectors with the knowledge and tools to improve disaster risk management.

This project will provide critical insights into shoreline changes and ensure the relevance of disaster preparedness efforts, benefiting industries that rely on the coastal environment. Ultimately, the project seeks to enhance the resilience of coastal infrastructure, improving livelihoods by enabling vulnerable sectors to better plan for the impacts of climate change and shoreline change.

Key activities of the project include:
- Initial consultations with stakeholders in Negril and other regions of Jamaica.
- Inception reporting to document findings from the consultations.
- UAV mapping of the Seven Mile Beach in Negril, involving site visits over several months.
- Drone image processing and analysis.
- Hosting an environmental seminar and media launch to share project findings.
- Developing a human-interest story highlighting the effects of shoreline erosion on Negril's livelihoods.
- Final reporting and the creation of a Guidance Toolkit for coastal managers.

This project is funded by the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF SPC) under the Small Grants Programme through the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) at The University of the West Indies.

For more information about the work we're doing, please contact the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI).

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2
WhatsApp: (876) 388-9097

Chat with us on WhatsApp here: https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=18763389097&text&type=phone_number&app_absent=0

Email: [email protected]
Web: http://monagis.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161-2

Mona GeoInformatics Institute – Home - Mona GeoInformatics Institute Mona GeoInformatics Institute December 13, 2022