Training and Support

Groundwork's approach to training is particularly suited to small organisations and groups. We have specialised in cutting through much of the jargon, hype and mis-understanding that can surround GIS. Groundwork offers training that ranges from a 'one off' presentation explaining GIS through to developing a structured package of technical advice, training sessions and on-going support that is tailored to your organisation's needs.

Groundwork has developed expertise in using the main GIS software packages and in particular the commonly used ESRI ArcView 9.1. We also have specialists in using 3-D software to create realistic visualisations and walk-throughs. Our trainers are all regular uses of GIS software and data. We also have experience of delivering lectures at undergraduate and graduate level through a partnership with Brunel University.

Although great strides have been made in improving the usability of the software, GIS is still a very specialist subject. Groundwork has a practical, down to earth approach to the introduction of GIS to an organisation. We aim to get the staff who will be using the system up and running as soon as possible and a wider group staff understanding what GIS can do. Working with Groundwork will help you avoid some of these common pitfalls:

• wasting valuable staff time while users try to 'pick the programme up' or use the programmes inefficiently
• mistakes caused either by using data in-appropriately or not fully appreciating its potential uses
• staff that complete an 'off the shelf' course but then struggle to apply this to real projects when back at the office
• buying expensive data that is not needed or realising the range of sources that are available
• equipment that just sits in an office because 'nobody really knows how to use it'
• lost files, duplicated work and inappropriate uses because metadata wasn't regularly created.

In particular, Groundwork can help other small organisations with a customised package which includes all or part of the following:

on site training in how to use ESRI's ArcView training on the basic concepts of GIS for other staff that will be commissioning maps and work introduction to the main sources of UK data including Ordnance Survey & Office for National Statistics ongoing telephone / e-mail support general advice on systems