GIS Analysis in Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Training Course

Introduction

Access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene is fundamental to public health and sustainable development. The GIS Analysis in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Training Course equips professionals with the skills and tools to integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into WASH planning, implementation, and monitoring. As spatial data becomes increasingly important in understanding and addressing WASH challenges, GIS offers a powerful platform for visualizing disparities, targeting interventions, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.

This course provides a practical and comprehensive introduction to the use of GIS in WASH programming. Participants will explore how spatial data can be applied to map water access points, identify underserved areas, monitor sanitation infrastructure, and assess hygiene-related health risks. By combining theory with hands-on exercises, participants will gain valuable experience using leading GIS tools and platforms to analyze real-world WASH datasets.

The training also covers essential topics such as spatial data collection using mobile tools, data quality assurance, spatial analysis techniques, and visualization for reporting and advocacy. Case studies from global WASH programs will illustrate the practical impact of GIS in improving service delivery, emergency response, and long-term planning.

Designed for WASH professionals, development practitioners, government officers, and technical specialists, this course empowers participants to harness the full potential of GIS to create more equitable and effective WASH interventions in both urban and rural settings.

Who should attend?

This course is suitable to:

·         WASH Officers and Project Managers working with NGOs, UN agencies, and development organizations

·         Water and Sanitation Engineers involved in infrastructure planning and management

·         Public Health Practitioners and Epidemiologists focusing on hygiene promotion and disease prevention

·         GIS Analysts and Mapping Specialists seeking to apply their skills in the WASH sector

·         Urban Planners and Environmental Health Experts working on sustainable community development

·         Government Officials and Policymakers engaged in WASH-related decision-making and resource allocation

Course duration

5 days

Course objectives

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

·         Understand the role of GIS in WASH programming by exploring how spatial analysis supports effective planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

·         Acquire skills in collecting, managing, and organizing spatial data relevant to WASH, including the use of GPS devices, mobile data collection tools, and remote sensing techniques.

·         Apply spatial analysis methods to identify underserved populations, evaluate infrastructure distribution, and assess environmental and health risks in relation to WASH service delivery.

·         Create clear, accurate, and informative maps and visualizations that enhance communication with stakeholders and support advocacy, policy-making, and donor reporting.

·         Incorporate GIS into monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress toward WASH goals, measure service coverage, and support data-driven program adjustments aligned with global standards such as the SDGs.

·         Gain hands-on experience using open-source GIS platforms such as QGIS and mobile data collection tools like KoboToolbox to support sustainable and cost-effective WASH solutions.

·         Analyze case studies and global best practices to understand how GIS has been successfully integrated into WASH projects across various contexts, including urban, rural, and emergency settings.

·         Develop a practical GIS-based WASH project plan tailored to participants’ specific institutional or field needs, incorporating spatial data analysis for improved outcomes and impact.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and WASH Concepts

• Overview of WASH: Definitions, components, and global challenges
• Importance of GIS in addressing WASH service gaps
• Key GIS concepts and terminology
• Components of a GIS system: Hardware, software, data, people, and methods
• GIS functions and analytical capabilities relevant to WASH
• Introduction to spatial data types and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) in WASH programming

Module 2: GIS Software for WASH Applications – Focus on QGIS

• Introduction to QGIS: Interface, features, and plugins
• Installation and configuration of QGIS for WASH projects
• Working with vector and raster data in QGIS
• Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data management protocols
• Facilitated exercises in GIS data visualization and basic editing

Module 3: Field Data Collection and GPS Integration

• Introduction to GPS technology and its relevance in WASH data collection
• Field data collection planning and protocols
• Facilitated practical: Collecting WASH field data using GPS devices
• Importing, integrating, and managing GPS data within a GIS database
• Georeferencing and spatial correction techniques for GPS data

Module 4: Working with Tabular and Spatial Data

• Introduction to attribute tables and linking tabular data to spatial features
• Importing and cleaning Excel-based datasets in QGIS
• Data formatting, joins, and spatial queries
• Introduction to spatial databases (e.g., GeoPackages and PostGIS)
• Facilitated practical: Creating and managing spatial databases for WASH data

Module 5: Mobile-Based Data Collection Tools for WASH

• Introduction to mobile data collection tools: ODK, KoboToolbox, and SurveyCTO
• Setting up and designing WASH data collection forms using KoboForm
• Installing and configuring ODK Collect on Android devices
• Collecting, syncing, and managing field data using Kobo Collect and KoboToolbox
• Data visualization, export, and integration with GIS platforms
• Hands-on exercises in designing, deploying, and collecting mobile data

Module 6: GIS for WASH Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment

• Applying GIS in WASH planning, targeting, and impact evaluation
• Facilitated practical: Using GIS for service coverage analysis and gap identification
• Spatial indicators for monitoring SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation)
• GIS applications in emergency WASH response and outbreak mapping
• Case study: GIS and remote sensing for monitoring water quality and sanitation facilities

Module 7: Geospatial Analysis and Processing

• Introduction to spatial analysis techniques: buffering, overlay, and proximity analysis
• Introduction to geoprocessing tools in QGIS
• Facilitated practical: Performing geospatial analysis on WASH datasets
• Use of raster analysis for hydrology and terrain in WASH planning
• Hotspot and cluster analysis for identifying high-risk areas

Module 8: Map Design, Visualization, and Communication

• Principles of cartography and map communication in the WASH context
• Styling and symbolization of WASH features and infrastructure
• Creating legends, scale bars, north arrows, and map elements
• Producing thematic maps (e.g., sanitation coverage, borehole locations)
• Facilitated map development: Hands-on map creation using project datasets
• Exporting maps for reports, presentations, and interactive platforms

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808 

Terms of Payment:

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.