EuroSDR e-learning for strengthening capacity in the geospatial domain

Abstract. Due to rapidly advancing technology and increasing societal needs, there is a significant demand for capacity building in the geospatial domain, which involves developing the skills, knowledge, and resources of individuals and organisations. The European association EuroSDR, a not-for-profit international network linking National Mapping and Cadastral Agencies (NMCA) with academic and research institutions in Europe, recognised the challenges of skills development in the geospatial domain more than two decades ago. The EduServ annual training programme, organised under the EuroSDR umbrella, is a well-established and internationally recognised series of e-learning courses in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and geospatial information (GI) science. Since its inception in 2002, it has primarily aimed to transfer knowledge from EuroSDR research projects to the wider GI community. In recent years, interest in EduServ courses has increased significantly, and the topics have expanded to address new geospatial technologies and growing societal needs. This paper aims to share EuroSDR’s experience in distance education with the wider scientific community. Rather than limiting EuroSDR expertise to the European GI community, European NMCAs can share their knowledge and experience with the international geospatial community.