GIS and Data Analysis for WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) Programmes Course

Introduction

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysis are increasingly vital tools in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programmes. As WASH interventions become more data-driven and geographically sensitive, the ability to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial data is critical to improving service delivery, targeting resources, and enhancing community health outcomes. This course is designed to equip WASH professionals with practical skills to harness GIS and data analytics for more informed decision-making and evidence-based programme development.

Participants will explore how GIS can be used to map water sources, assess sanitation infrastructure, and track hygiene behaviors across diverse geographic contexts. The training will emphasize spatial data acquisition, thematic mapping, and spatial analysis techniques that support risk assessment, resource allocation, and the monitoring of key WASH indicators. The course also introduces participants to remote sensing and its application in environmental monitoring, such as tracking water quality, drought impact, or flood-prone areas.

A key component of the course is the integration of participatory GIS (PGIS) approaches, empowering communities to contribute to data collection and mapping processes. By engaging stakeholders at the grassroots level, WASH interventions can become more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to local needs. Additionally, the course highlights the importance of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and how open data sharing can improve coordination and accountability among WASH actors.

Through hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and interactive demonstrations using tools such as QGIS, KoboToolbox, and Google Earth Engine, participants will leave the course with actionable skills to implement GIS-based solutions in their work. Whether involved in service delivery, emergency response, or policy planning, this course provides the analytical and technical foundation necessary to lead impactful WASH initiatives in a data-rich and spatially complex world.

Duration

10 days

Who should attend?

This course is suitable to:

·         WASH Programme Managers and Coordinators

·         Public Health and Environmental Health Officers

·         Water and Sanitation Engineers and Technicians

·         GIS Officers and Data Analysts working in development and humanitarian organizations

·         Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialists

·         Urban and Rural Planners involved in infrastructure development

·         Researchers and Academics in the fields of WASH, Public Health, or Geography

·         Government officials and policy-makers in ministries of water, health, and planning

·         NGO and INGO staff working in WASH or disaster response

·         Community Development Practitioners and Project Officers

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, the participant should be able to:

·         Apply GIS and remote sensing technologies to monitor, plan, and evaluate WASH project activities with improved spatial accuracy and efficiency.

·         Assess the availability, quality, and suitability of spatial and non-spatial data relevant to WASH interventions across various geographic contexts.

·         Utilize Participatory GIS (PGIS) methodologies to engage local communities in mapping and decision-making processes for more inclusive and sustainable WASH solutions.

·         Understand the role of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) in enhancing data accessibility, sharing, and integration among stakeholders in the WASH sector.

·         Identify and evaluate the spatial data requirements for effective water resource management, sanitation planning, hygiene promotion, and public health surveillance.

·         Design and implement customized GIS projects that integrate remote sensing imagery, GPS field data, and other geospatial datasets into a coherent analytical framework.

·         Conduct water and sanitation system modeling using GIS tools to identify coverage gaps, optimize resource distribution, and assess environmental risks.

·         Employ mobile-based data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK) for real-time, field-based WASH data acquisition and geo-referenced surveys.

·         Perform basic and intermediate statistical analyses on WASH data using software such as Excel, SPSS, or R to extract meaningful insights for reporting and decision-making.

·         Develop and interpret thematic maps and spatial visualizations to communicate WASH-related findings effectively to diverse audiences.

·         Analyze spatial trends and patterns in WASH indicators to inform targeted interventions and improve service delivery in vulnerable or underserved areas.

·         Use geospatial dashboards and interactive platforms to monitor progress towards SDG 6 and other WASH-related development goals.

·         Integrate climate, environmental, and demographic data to assess vulnerabilities and build resilience in WASH infrastructure planning.

·         Strengthen organizational capacity to mainstream GIS and data analysis into day-to-day WASH programme management, policy development, and resource allocation.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and WASH Concepts

·         Overview of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programmes

·         Importance of GIS and spatial thinking in WASH planning and monitoring

·         Key Definitions and Concepts in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Data

·         Introduction to GIS Software (focus on QGIS):

o    QGIS Interface Overview

o    Key Tools and Menus

o    Project Setup and Workspace Management

Module 2: GIS Principles and Spatial Data Infrastructure

·         Fundamental Principles of GIS

·         Components of a GIS System (hardware, software, data, people, procedures)

·         Core GIS Capabilities and Analytical Functions in the WASH context

·         Introduction to Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for WASH coordination and planning

·         Emerging Trends in GIS and Remote Sensing in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6

Module 3: GPS Configuration and Field Data Collection

·         Understanding GPS Technology and Devices

·         Configuring GPS units for WASH data collection

·         Capturing spatial data from field surveys

·         Downloading and cleaning GPS data

·         Integrating field GPS data into GIS databases

·         Facilitated Practical Field Exercises in GPS Data Collection and Mapping

Module 4: GIS Data Management and Database Development

·         Types and Sources of GIS Data for WASH (satellite imagery, administrative boundaries, survey data, etc.)

·         Working with Vector and Raster Data

·         Attribute Table Management and Data Joins

·         Importing, Editing, and Organizing Tabular Data in GIS

·         Creating and Managing Spatial Databases (Geodatabases)

·         Hands-on Practical Sessions: Spatial data entry, editing, and spatial querying

Module 5: GIS Mapping and Visualization for WASH

·         Principles of Cartographic Design in GIS

·         Map Styling, Symbolization, and Labelling

·         Thematic Mapping of WASH Indicators (access to clean water, sanitation facilities, hygiene awareness)

·         Mapping Project Resources and Activities (schools, health centers, water points, etc.)

·         Creating Map Layouts and Exporting Maps for Reports

Module 6: Online and Web-Based GIS Mapping

·         Introduction to Online GIS Platforms: Google Maps, Google Earth, and OpenStreetMap

·         Web Mapping Tools and Use of Fusion Tables

·         Uploading and Sharing WASH Maps Online

·         Practical Exercises: Creating Interactive Web Maps from Project Data

Module 7: GIS Applications in Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring

·         Case Study: Mapping Land Use and Impacts on Water Quality

·         GIS for Monitoring Water Levels, Resource Use, and River Contamination

·         Using GIS for Environmental Risk Analysis in WASH Contexts

·         Integrating Satellite Data and Remote Sensing for Water Resource Assessment

Module 8: Mobile Data Collection and Participatory GIS

·         Introduction to Mobile Data Collection Tools: KoboToolbox, ODK, Survey123

·         Designing WASH Surveys for Mobile Devices

·         Participatory GIS for Community Mapping and Inclusion

·         Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) in WASH Planning and Prioritization

·         Case Study: Monitoring WASH Projects using Mobile GIS and Remote Sensing

Module 9: Statistical Data Analysis for WASH

·         Data Management with Excel:

o    Data Entry, Cleaning, and Validation

o    Using Formulas, Filters, and Sorting Techniques

o    Creating Data Lists, Forms, and Tables

·         Introduction to Pivot Tables for WASH Data Summarization

·         Frequency Distribution and Crosstab Analysis (One-way and Two-way tables)

·         Data Quality and Consistency Checks

Module 10: Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis

·         Graphing and Visualizing Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data

·         Descriptive Statistics: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion

·         Basic Inferential Statistics for WASH Data:

o    Correlation and Regression Analysis

o    Chi-Square Tests

o    T-Tests and ANOVA

·         Data Tabulation and Charting for Reporting

·         Performing Basic Statistical Analysis with Excel or SPSS

·         Interpreting Results for WASH Reporting and Decision Making

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.