Snowflake Software announces a series of training courses targeted at multiple levels of expertise for employees in the GIS Industry. The courses promise to provide even the most novice of users a complete understanding of XML and GML, their role within the OGC and ISO standards and the benefits they can bring to an organisation. For those already adept in the concept of XML and GML, there is a hands-on course covering the practical side of GML application schema development.

Snowflake Software enjoys an unparalleled reputation for being pioneers in XML / GML modelling tools and application schema development. The team is actively involved in multiple international consortiums, driving interoperability standards that are integral to the future of the GIS industry. With these credentials, the company is notably qualified to educate you in the benefits of open XML / GML standards and their capabilities.

"The GIS industry is currently going through a significant evolution," explains Ian Painter, Managing Director of Snowflake Software. "The initial adoption of XML and GML may have been relatively slow, but users are now reaping the benefits of utilizing open standard technology in their applications - being able to "share" data in a joined-up fashion. With numerous standards initiatives now putting increased pressure on government to make data available, the need to understand and be proficient in XML has never been so apparent. Either we learn the IT skills or the IT literate will conquer our market. With the appearance of Google, Yahoo and Microsoft already bringing GIS out of its niche market, it has never been more important for the traditional industry to "talk" the language of IT."

Snowflake Software is now helping the GIS industry to understand those IT skills within the realms of GIS. The three courses include an XML Primer - Covering XML and its key core technology, GML Fundamentals - Covering GML basic principles and ISO standards, and Hands-On GML - a practical course on developing GML application schema.

Full details on the contents and schedules of the courses can be found on the Snowflake Software website.