GIS Data Collection, Analysis, Visualization and Mapping Course

Introduction

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become indispensable tools for understanding spatial phenomena, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and enhancing planning and resource management across a wide range of sectors. The GIS Data Collection, Analysis, Visualization, and Mapping Course is designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and technical skills required to collect accurate spatial data, conduct meaningful analysis, and create compelling visualizations and maps for communication and reporting purposes.

This course provides a step-by-step learning experience that covers the entire GIS workflow from field data collection using mobile tools and GPS, to managing, cleaning, and analyzing spatial data using powerful open-source and proprietary GIS software. Participants will explore real-world applications of GIS in sectors such as health, agriculture, urban planning, environmental management, disaster risk reduction, and development monitoring, enabling them to apply spatial thinking to their specific fields.

Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, including the use of tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth, Open Data Kit (ODK), and web-based mapping platforms. Participants will learn how to work with various data formats, conduct geospatial analysis, and produce high-quality maps and dashboards that can support policy-making, community engagement, and operational decision-making. Skills in managing both vector and raster data, integrating tabular data (e.g., Excel or survey data), and using spatial queries are also covered.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to independently design and implement GIS projects, perform spatial analysis, and communicate their findings effectively through well-structured visual outputs. Whether new to GIS or seeking to enhance existing capabilities, this course offers a practical and relevant foundation for using geospatial technologies to solve real-world challenges.

Duration

10 Days

Who should attend?

This course is suitable to:

·       Development practitioners and project managers involved in planning and implementing location-based programs

·       Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists seeking to improve data analysis and reporting through spatial tools

·       GIS officers, data analysts, and cartographers who wish to expand their technical skills in data collection and mapping

·       Environmental and natural resource managers involved in land use planning, conservation, and resource monitoring

·       Public health professionals and epidemiologists using spatial data for disease tracking and health facility mapping

·       Urban and regional planners working with infrastructure, settlement, or population data

·       Disaster risk reduction and emergency response personnel needing tools for hazard mapping and rapid assessments

·       Researchers and lecturers using GIS for academic or applied research

·       Staff of NGOs, humanitarian agencies, and government departments involved in data-driven program design and decision-making

Course Objectives

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

·       Understand the core principles and components of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their practical applications across various sectors such as health, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.

·       Collect accurate spatial and attribute data using mobile data collection tools (e.g., ODK, KoBoToolbox) and GPS-enabled devices for integration into GIS environments.

·       Manage and process spatial data from multiple sources, including satellite imagery, spreadsheets, shapefiles, and web services, ensuring data quality, consistency, and compatibility.

·       Conduct spatial analysis to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships using tools such as buffering, overlay, proximity analysis, spatial joins, and query operations.

·       Visualize and interpret geospatial information by creating informative maps, thematic layers, and spatial dashboards using GIS software (e.g., QGIS, Google Earth) to support planning and decision-making.

·       Integrate tabular data (e.g., Excel) with geographic layers to perform joined analysis and spatial visualization of non-spatial attributes.

·       Design and produce high-quality static and interactive maps tailored for specific audiences and purposes, incorporating best practices in map layout, labeling, and symbology.

·       Utilize open-source and web-based GIS platforms for dynamic mapping, real-time data updates, and collaborative geospatial workflows.

·       Develop basic project workflows for GIS initiatives, including data planning, acquisition, processing, analysis, output, and documentation.

·       Apply GIS skills in practical scenarios and case studies that simulate real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and spatial problem-solving.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and Mapping Concepts

• Overview of GIS, cartography, and spatial data fundamentals
• Types of spatial data: vector vs raster
• Geographic coordinate systems and projections
• Installing and navigating QGIS (open-source GIS software)
• Introduction to map elements and basic cartographic design

Module 2: Spatial Data Sources and Formats

• Types and sources of spatial data (shapefiles, GeoJSON, KML, CSV, raster)
• Downloading data from public sources (e.g., OpenStreetMap, government portals)
• Importing and managing multiple data layers in QGIS
• Understanding metadata and spatial data quality

Module 3: Mobile Data Collection and GPS Integration

• Introduction to mobile data collection tools: ODK, KoBoToolbox
• Designing digital survey forms for spatial fieldwork
• Using GPS and mobile devices for location data collection
• Importing and integrating GPS/mobile data into GIS
• Field data validation and cleanup

Module 4: Data Management and Attribute Analysis

• Working with attribute tables in QGIS
• Joining spatial data with external tabular datasets (e.g., CSV, Excel)
• Editing, updating, and querying attribute data
• Data classification, filtering, and basic statistical summaries

Module 5: Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing Tools

• Introduction to geoprocessing operations: buffer, clip, union, intersect
• Spatial queries and selection by location or attribute
• Proximity and accessibility analysis
• Multi-layer overlay and suitability mapping
• Automating workflows using the QGIS Graphical Modeler

Module 6: Visualization and Thematic Mapping

• Principles of map design and symbology
• Creating thematic maps (choropleth, graduated symbols, proportional symbols)
• Map labeling, legends, and scale bars
• Exporting maps to PDF, image formats, and print-ready layouts

Module 7: Heat Maps, Density, and Cluster Mapping

• Creating point density and heatmaps
• Using hexbin and grid-based visualizations
• Visualizing patterns and outliers in spatial datasets
• Tools for cluster detection and spatial concentration analysis

Module 8: Digitizing and Editing Spatial Data

• Creating new shapefiles and digitizing points, lines, and polygons
• Editing existing spatial features
• Georeferencing scanned maps or satellite images
• Digitizing from basemaps and imagery (e.g., OpenStreetMap, Google Satellite)

Module 9: Web Mapping and Online Platforms

• Introduction to web-based mapping tools (Carto, Mapbox, Google My Maps)
• Connecting QGIS with CartoDB using plugins
• Publishing interactive maps online
• Using map viewers and embedding maps in reports or websites

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