There is an increasing availability of georeferenced data but using such data requires finding ways to make different datasets compatible with one another, particularly because information may be generated by different agencies, at different scales and with different quality. Data integration has the capacity to improve demographers’ ability to better account for complex interactions, while considering processes occurring at different scales. The combination of sources traditionally used by demographers (censuses, surveys, administrative records) with non-traditional spatial data, such as remote sensing, is a promising path to respond to emerging methodological challenges.

 

The goals of this online training are to:

  •  review the fundamentals of spatial data integration, with an emphasis on remote sensing;
  •  present an overview of relevant datasets and services (platforms and tools);
  • develop basic skills for linking demographic and environmental data; and
  • expand the use of specialized sources

 

This training has two components. The first component is composed of four video recordings:

  1. Introduction;
  2. Fundamentals of spatial data integration;
  3. Brief review of remote sensing data and services that speed-up the process; and
  4. Brief overview of the tutorials.

 

The second part includes two tutorials, which are self-paced, self-administered hands-on exercises (materials will be available at the PERN website)

  : 

  1. An example of data integration;
  2. Exploring environmental data using platforms.