The field of geomatics is continually expanding as technological advances are made and applications are broadened. At the same time, domestic and international user communities are increasing in size and sophistication. In Canada, for example, rural, remote, Northern and Aboriginal communities form an important new user group. Consequently, the need for training beyond - and supplementary to - institutional education also continues to grow. The role of geomatics training is to facilitate the transfer of these technologies to current and potential users at home and abroad.

This workshop manual is intended to:

• provide new models and ideas for instructors who will be working with clientele from an unfamiliar culture; and
• assist geomatics specialists in making more effective and rewarding use of their expertise in a cross-cultural training environment.

One of the greatest rewards for a trainer is the opportunity to share experience and ideas. Conducting a successful workshop requires the trainer to have an understanding of the adult learner, as well as an appreciation of curriculum design. An awareness of training aids and presentation skills can improve the fluidity of the session and increase its likelihood of success.

The Technology Transfer and Communications Section of the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) has had considerable experience preparing and conducting technical workshops in Canada and in developing nations. Information collected from these experiences, along with other related examples and anecdotal reports, illustrate the complexity and diversity of training in a new cultural setting.

This guide outlines socio-cultural factors that should be considered when dealing with participants from other countries or cultural groups within Canada. In addition, formal concepts of adult training are outlined and developed as they apply to the workshop format.

Workshops differ from other types of training activities in that they generally imply:

• relatively short duration;
• operational or problem-oriented content;
• focus on learning rather than teaching; and
• professional practice over theory.

Although oriented towards geomatics, the material within this document can be applied to many other training situations involving technological transfer.