A conceptual framework and design of the teaching and learning environment was developed. Specifications for the IT infrastructure (server) were elaborated and defined by the Ethiopian partner institution in cooperation with TUW and BOKU. The open-source product “Moodle” was adopted as a teaching and learning platform.

Modern methods of data capture rely heavily on the use of UAVs. One was purchased for each university within the project. The set comprised a DJI Mavic 3Enterprise drone, an RTK module , 2 4-in-1 Multi Chargers, a Mobile GNSS RTK Station D-RTK2 with a tripod, 3 Battery KITs, 2 Charger USB-C 100W DJI, 4 extra propeller sets, 6 extra batteries, a TOMcase Backpack XL for Mavic 3 Enterprise RTF, 2 STARTRC Drone Landing pads 50cm, and a GPC Mavic 3 Battery Case for 8 Batteries. The decision for the UAV was influenced by the regulation of the European Parliament for the exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items. The selected UAV did not quality as dual use as of November 2024.

The selected servers to run Moodle have tower housing, 8GB RAM and 1TB hard disk. Crucial components (power supply, hard disk) have a backup. The technical configuration was defined in cooperation with the IT group of the Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation and Campus IT at TUW.

Modern digital teaching materials should also make use of media like short education videos. Thus, the required equipment (camera, microphone, notebook, and movie cutting software was obtained). To enable online teaching, each Ethiopian university received a conference owl.

All equipment was shipped to Ethiopia, the import was managed by DMU and the equipment was then distributed to the four universities.