2.3 Training concept for Zeiss products
The learning functions integrated into the system support the
everyday work and production process on the system. In the initial
stage, however, it is absolutely essential that the relevant knowledge
be conveyed to the user by systems experts. Such training held in
the form of a dialog, including practical exercises and supported by
suitable documentation, is and will remain the most effective and
economic way of ensuring a smooth production start-up. Considering
the predominance of operation costs in the overall system ex-
penditure, any attempt to economize in the necessary training must
be regarded as short-sighted.
The training content is based on the four above-mentioned levels.
The following types of training are provided:
* standard courses at Carl Zeiss providing basic knowledge
on system operation, system management and programming,
* individual training at Carl Zeiss in fields of special interest,
* on-site training, taking into account the user's special work
environment.
2.4 Implementation of the training concept
The implementation of the training concept is dependent on the
software product involved. For PHOCUS, for example, the central
information system for photogrammetry, cartography and land in-
formation from Carl Zeiss, the training program is structured as
follows:
e Basic course:
Subject: learning the work sequences in a standard
work environment, basic system manage-
ment functions.
Duration: 5 days (standard)
Requirement: basic knowledge of photogrammetry/carto-
graphy and EDP.
* Follow-up course:
Subject: creation of new work environments,
optimum use of system management tools
Duration: 4 days (standard)
Requirement: | PHOCUS knowledge of the basic course,
basic knowledge of the operating system
* Programming course:
Subject: generation of user-specific program modules in
the PHOCUS environment and communication
with external systems via PHOCUS interfaces
Duration: 5 days (standard)
Requirement: |. PHOCUS knowledge of the follow-up course,
basic knowledge of the operating system,
experience in programming (Fortran)
It is recommended that these courses be spread over a certain
period of time, and that extensive courses be completed in two
separate sections. Several months of experience with PHOCUS will
be useful for the programming course.
The training concept for PHODIS has a similar structure as that for
PHOCUS.
In the field of PC software, the training offered by Zeiss is con-
centrated on the photogrammetric use of the systems
* Course for operators (Planicomp/PC):
Subject: learning the photogrammetric work sequences,
data acquisition functions in a CAD/GIS system
Duration: 4 days
Requirement: basic knowledge of photogrammetry and CAD/
GIS
* Special training
The training in special applications such as aerotriangulation,
DEM computation, orthoprojection or photoflight management is
usually held on an individual basis in Oberkochen or on site on
the customer's premises. Since the level of previous knowledge
varies widely from one user to another, careful preparation and
course planning are essential here.
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2.5 Training for partner software
Photogrammetry and cartography are increasingly being incor-
porated into LIS and GIS systems. A high degree of flexibility in
production is demanded of the service companies in the field of
mapping. To meet both of these requirements, software packages
from different manufacturers must be used and mastered side by
Side. Examples of close connections between Zeiss and partner
softwares are:
* the combination of a data base for geometric data with a data
base system for attributes, e.g. PHOCUS and the relational data
base ORACLE or
* the integration of an analytical plotter into a CAD or GIS system,
e.g. P3 Planicomp into MicroStation PC.
Moreover, the operation of complex computer networks calls for
detailed knowledge of the operating system and networking software.
In such cases, especially if the partner software is intensively used,
we recommend that users make direct use of the proficiency, training
facilities and support capabilities of the partners involved.
2.6 Further training and support
Due to the dramatic development in the field of EDP and software,
continuous updating of knowledge and skills is of vital importance.
For new software modules and new revisions, Zeiss offers further
training and individual support by applications and systems
specialists. The following is available:
* Telephone backup as part of the software update service
* Personal on-site support in application and system problems
to extend the user's knowledge and optimize operational
sequences
* Update courses on new revisions
* User meetings for the exchange of information and experience
* Programming support for the development of programs by the
user
The objective of each of these measures is the independent and
proficient handling of the system by the user. In addition, adequate
further training is of vital importance for staff motivation.
3. OUTLOOK
As pointed out at the beginning, the training concept of Carl Zeiss
concentrates on the efficient conveyance of practice-oriented
knowledge of the system.
Training in theoretical fundamentals such as basic knowledge of data
processing and GIS techniques or metrological skills is not the duty
of a system manufacturer. It is and will remain the domain and
responsibility of institutions established for this purpose: universities,
colleges, schools for operators, further training organizations and
courses, etc. These institutions create the basis on which specialist
knowledge of the systems can be nurtured. The success of this joint
task of teaching institutions and industry will lay a sound foundation
for the bright professional future of photogrammetrists and surveying
experts.