The use of GIS in renewable energy specialist’s learning

Abstract

In recent years, the global trend has been to gradually shift from traditional energy sources to renewable ones, with the aim of improving the environment and preventing climate change. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are technologies that enhance the efficiency of these renewable energy resources (RER). Modern GIS provides a wide range of functionalities for the entire decision-making process. For instance, in solar power generation, GIS can address challenges such as remote monitoring of sites designated for solar power plants and evaluating their suitability. It also enables effective management of information on station operations, real-time electricity production and distribution, and planning and management of energy production resources. As GIS continues to evolve, scientists and energy professionals are discovering more applications in the RER field. However, it’s crucial to focus on training highly skilled specialists in RER to ensure GIS becomes a truly effective management tool in their professional activities. Research indicates that most student training programs in RER worldwide do not sufficiently cover GIS studies, particularly open-source software. To address this gap, the authors have developed a targeted plan for incorporating GIS into RER specialist training. The goal of this course is to familiarize future engineers with the theoretical, methodological, and technological foundations of GIS creation and operation. It also aims to help students understand the general principles of operation and acquire practical skills in using GIS to solve applied problems. The authors emphasize the importance of laboratory work, particularly using SagaGIS, to develop skills in working with raster and vector images, geospatial data analysis and decision-making, working with cartographic models and remote sensing data, and applying geoinformation methods to create structural, parametric, and thematic digital maps. The authors suggest using open GIS in training to facilitate a quality understanding for future RER specialists on the processes of creating, operating, and using GIS for real-world applications.