GIS for Monitoring and Evaluation Course

Introduction

In the current data-driven landscape, incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes is crucial for improving project planning, monitoring progress, and assessing impact with greater precision and clarity. The GIS for Monitoring and Evaluation Course is designed to equip development professionals, project managers, analysts, and M&E specialists with the skills needed to harness geospatial technologies to support evidence-based program implementation and reporting.

This course provides a hands-on and practical approach to applying GIS in the M&E lifecycle from baseline mapping and resource allocation to real-time monitoring and post-project evaluations. Participants will learn how to collect, manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data relevant to development projects using user-friendly, open-source GIS tools such as QGIS, and mobile-based data collection platforms like ODK and KoBoToolbox.

Emphasis will be placed on integrating spatial thinking into M&E frameworks, developing GIS dashboards, performing geospatial analysis, and producing maps that communicate results effectively to stakeholders. Real-world case studies and exercises will allow participants to contextualize GIS tools within health, education, agriculture, WASH, disaster management, and other sectors where spatial analysis can enhance project outcomes.

By the end of the course, participants will not only understand the technical aspects of GIS but also how to strategically apply them in monitoring project performance, identifying geographical disparities, and supporting adaptive management. This course is ideal for organizations and individuals looking to strengthen the spatial dimension of their M&E systems to improve transparency, accountability, and impact.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable to:

·       Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers and specialists across development, humanitarian, and government sectors

·       Project and program managers responsible for tracking project performance and reporting outcomes

·       Development practitioners and NGO staff involved in planning and evaluating community-based interventions

·       GIS analysts and data officers supporting M&E activities with spatial data

·       Researchers and consultants working on impact assessments and spatial analysis in various sectors

·       Public health, education, agriculture, WASH, and environmental professionals applying M&E frameworks to sector-specific projects

·       Donor agency representatives and fund managers interested in strengthening data transparency and spatial reporting

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

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

·       Understand the fundamental concepts of GIS and spatial data and how they apply to Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) processes across various sectors.

·       Integrate GIS into the M&E cycle to enhance project planning, baseline assessments, real-time monitoring, and impact evaluations.

·       Collect, manage, and analyze geospatial data using open-source tools such as QGIS, as well as mobile data collection platforms like ODK and KoBoToolbox.

·       Create effective maps and spatial visualizations to support data-driven decision-making and communicate project results to stakeholders.

·       Use GIS to identify geographic patterns, disparities, and priority areas for resource allocation and program improvement.

·       Apply geospatial techniques to monitor project indicators, coverage, and outcomes in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, WASH, and disaster response.

·       Design interactive GIS dashboards and reporting tools to support transparency, learning, and accountability in program implementation.

·       Incorporate participatory GIS methods to include community-level data and local knowledge in project assessments.

·       Apply spatial analysis methods to strengthen evidence-based reporting and support adaptive management strategies.

·       Develop a practical action plan for integrating GIS into organizational M&E systems and workflows.

Course outline

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and Monitoring & Evaluation

• Overview of Monitoring & Evaluation concepts and frameworks
• Introduction to GIS and its relevance in M&E
• Benefits of integrating GIS into project cycles
• Case studies of GIS-supported M&E in different sectors
• Introduction to QGIS software and interface

Module 2: Spatial Data Concepts and Management

• Understanding spatial vs non-spatial data
• GIS data types: vector and raster
• Coordinate systems, projections, and spatial referencing
• GIS data sources for development and humanitarian contexts
• Managing GIS files and databases (Shapefiles, GeoJSON, CSV)

Module 3: Mobile Data Collection for M&E

• Introduction to mobile data collection tools (ODK, KoBoToolbox)
• Designing digital survey forms (XLSForm basics)
• GPS-enabled data collection using mobile devices
• Importing and managing field data in QGIS
• Cleaning and validating spatial data

Module 4: Visualizing M&E Data in GIS

• Creating thematic and indicator maps
• Symbolization and styling in QGIS
• Mapping project locations, beneficiaries, and service coverage
• Temporal mapping (e.g., before-and-after interventions)
• Creating map layouts for reporting and presentations

Module 5: Spatial Analysis for Monitoring and Evaluation

• Spatial joins and queries for M&E data
• Buffering, clipping, and overlay operations
• Identifying gaps in service delivery through spatial analysis
• Hotspot analysis and proximity analysis
• Integration of demographic, socio-economic, and baseline survey data

Module 6: GIS in Project Planning and Baseline Assessments

• Site selection using spatial criteria
• Resource mapping and infrastructure inventory
• Mapping baseline indicators spatially
• Use of multi-criteria analysis for project targeting
• Risk and vulnerability mapping in M&E planning

Module 7: GIS for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment

• Tracking project progress with GIS
• Mapping project outputs and outcomes over time
• Post-intervention evaluations using satellite and ground data
• Integrating GIS into M&E logical frameworks and indicator tracking
• Communicating results with spatial dashboards and visual stories

Module 8: Participatory GIS and Community Mapping

• Concepts of Participatory GIS (PGIS) in M&E
• Tools for community mapping and stakeholder engagement
• Combining local knowledge with spatial data
• Mapping feedback and grievances from the field
• Using PGIS for inclusive monitoring

Module 9: Introduction to Web Mapping and Reporting

• Basics of WebGIS and online platforms (e.g., QGIS2Web, ArcGIS Online)
• Creating interactive maps for stakeholder communication
• Introduction to open-source web mapping tools (e.g., Leaflet, Mapbox)
• Embedding maps in dashboards and reports
• Sharing GIS outputs with donors and partners

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