The sessions for students on 27 October were led by J\u0101nis Kot\u0101ns, Head of the Data Department of the LatViaNature project, and cartographer Liene Zilvere, who is herself a graduate of the University of Latvia.<\/p>\n
The agency\u2019s specialists demonstrated the Nature Data Management System \u201cOzols\u201d as a central data and decision-support platform for nature conservation in Latvia. Spatial planning approaches were explored, including the use of the 10\/30 map for setting priorities. In the second \u2013 practical \u2013 session, students worked within the \u201cOzols\u201d environment, searching for data, combining layers, and interpreting results while applying the tool\u2019s functions in practical tasks. The third session focused on innovations in nature conservation, including the use of satellite data for habitat mapping, the latest analytical approaches, and challenges such as automated classification, time series, field verification, as well as practical examples from the LatViaNature project demonstrating real benefits in management \u2013 from early detection of changes to more efficient monitoring and resource planning.<\/p>\n
The specialists also provided students with insight into how geographers, cartographers, geoinformatics specialists, and data analysts operate within the agency\u2019s structure \u2013 from data collection and processing to the development of spatial analyses and map services. The sessions also covered the agency\u2019s project goals, team structure, student internship opportunities, and key challenges in the field (such as data quality, standardization, cross-sector cooperation, and tight deadlines).<\/p>\n
The Nature Conservation Agency expresses its gratitude to the University of Latvia and its Faculty of Science and Technology for their cooperation and interest in promoting the field of nature conservation among students. This collaboration provides future specialists with the opportunity to develop practical skills, understand spatial planning and data management processes, and explore professional career opportunities in the nature conservation sector. Such cooperation strengthens the link between academia and public administration, contributing to the overall development of the field.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As part of a guest lecture series, specialists from the Nature Conservation Agency\u2019s LatViaNature project introduced students of the University of Latvia\u2019s Faculty of Science and Technology\u2014enrolled in the Geography bachelor\u2019s and Geoinformatics professional bachelor\u2019s programmes\u2014to spatial planning in nature conservation in Latvia and the role of the \u201cOzols\u201d nature data management system.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":20325,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n