Geologists of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 joined in an advanced geological information system (GIS) training course introducing geospatial solutions for the MGB geological programs last November 25 – December 3, 2019, in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
The nine-day training-workshop aimed to ensure that the information technology and GIS functions complement each other and can work together to be used effectively in MGB.
The training also targeted to empower key stakeholders by deploying GIS-related decision–making processes throughout the organization.
This adaption to the digital world has been a long-awaiting innovation for the MGB community. Once institutionalized, the Bureau can definitely improve its services to the country and the citizenry.
During the training-workshop, geologists and GIS specialists from MGB central office introduced the participants, comprised of geologists from the regional offices, to the ArcGIS Enterprise and Online OGC Standards and Metadata.
They reviewed the Geological Program Geodatabases and showed the interface and dashboard operations on the ArcGIS app and website.
In the succeeding days of the workshop, participants focused on the hands-on training on how to use and access the MGB NAS Storage Geodatabase (Synology) and Multi-user.
The exclusive storage geodatabase allows each regional office to upload reports, maps and other data online faster and easier which can be accessed by the central office immediately
Status of completion for each geosciences program is also reflected in the database for monitoring purposes.
Each geoscience division personnel of every regional and central MGB office were given the access codes to update the status of the geosciences programs in the database.
Meanwhile, the planning office personnel, chiefs and directors have access codes for the monitoring of the program status.
The progress will be reflected as percentages in quantity and color-coded areas on the map of the Philippines.
The Lands and Geological Information Management Section (LGIMS) at the Lands and Geological Survey Division (LGSD) in MGB-Central Office, who organized the training-workshop, also introduced the mobile application ArcGIS Survey 123 which digitalizes the input of geological data.
The app is composed of field-based applications such as fieldwork station, Well Inventory & Analysis v1.0, Landslide Inventory V1.0, Landslide Affected Area V1.0, and Geological Laboratory V1.0.
Compatible with both iOS and Android phones, anyone with access and a strong internet connection can input geological data on the app while on the field.
Group discussions about services and applications followed, with presentations of participants for each project to critic and suggest application changes.
The participants discussed how to ensure all data needed are processed seamlessly and agreed on certain internal data policies to maximize the new technology presented throughout the training.
Steady and fast internet connection without unnecessary restrictions online was emphasized during this training-workshop to fully utilize the applications.