Mobile Data Collection and GIS Mapping using ODK and QGIS Course

Introduction

The increasing demand for accurate, real-time data in development, humanitarian, environmental, and research projects has highlighted the importance of digital tools for field data collection and spatial analysis. The Mobile Data Collection and GIS Mapping using ODK and QGIS Course is designed to equip participants with practical skills in collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data using Open Data Kit (ODK) and Quantum GIS (QGIS). This integrated approach helps improve the efficiency, accuracy, and impact of data-driven decision-making.

This hands-on course introduces participants to the use of mobile devices for field data collection using ODK, an open-source platform that enables offline data capture through customizable digital forms. Participants will learn how to design surveys using XLSForm, deploy forms to mobile devices, collect field data, and aggregate the data on ODK servers. Emphasis is placed on ensuring data quality, managing submissions, and exporting data for further analysis.

Building on mobile data collection, the course then explores spatial analysis and mapping using QGIS, a powerful open-source geographic information system. Participants will learn how to import field data into QGIS, perform spatial queries, create detailed maps, and analyze geospatial patterns relevant to their projects. Techniques such as layering, geocoding, symbology, and spatial data editing are covered, enabling users to produce high-quality cartographic outputs and conduct meaningful spatial assessments.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed the ability to independently design and execute digital data collection processes and generate insightful GIS maps using open-source tools. This training is ideal for professionals in monitoring and evaluation, public health, disaster management, agriculture, water and sanitation, urban planning, and any field that relies on spatial and field-based data for planning and decision-making.

Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the learners should be able to:

·       To provide participants with a solid understanding of mobile data collection concepts and the advantages of using digital tools for field data gathering.

·       To equip learners with practical skills in designing, deploying, and managing mobile surveys using Open Data Kit (ODK).

·       To enable participants to configure and operate ODK tools, including ODK Collect, ODK Central/Aggregate, and XLSForm for form development.

·       To train participants in exporting, cleaning, and managing collected data for integration with GIS platforms.

·       To introduce the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data handling using QGIS.

·       To develop participants' capacity to perform spatial analysis, geocoding, mapping, and layering in QGIS.

·       To enhance participants’ ability to visualize field data geographically and produce professional GIS maps for reporting and decision-making.

·       To empower participants to integrate mobile data collection and GIS tools for improved planning, monitoring, and evaluation in development projects.

Who should Attend?

This course is ideal for

·       Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) officers seeking efficient tools for field data collection and spatial reporting.

·       Project managers and program officers involved in development, humanitarian, health, or environmental initiatives.

·       GIS analysts and data managers aiming to enhance their skills in integrating mobile data with spatial analysis.

·       Researchers and academicians conducting field-based studies that require accurate data collection and mapping.

·       Field officers and survey supervisors responsible for designing and implementing digital data collection workflows.

·       Public health professionals, WASH specialists, and agricultural extension workers who need location-based data for planning and intervention.

·       Urban planners, disaster risk managers, and environmental scientists using geospatial data for assessments and response.

·       Anyone interested in learning practical, open-source tools for mobile-based surveys and geospatial visualization.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Data Collection and GIS

• Overview of digital data collection vs. traditional methods
• Benefits of using mobile and geospatial tools in fieldwork
• Introduction to ODK and QGIS: Features, uses, and integration
• Real-world applications in development, public health, WASH, agriculture, and disaster response

Module 2: Designing Mobile Forms Using XLSForm

• Introduction to XLSForm syntax and structure
• Creating survey forms with question types (text, number, select, GPS, image, etc.)
• Using constraints, calculations, skip logic, and relevance
• Best practices for user-friendly and accurate form design

Module 3: Setting Up and Managing ODK Tools

• Introduction to ODK ecosystem: ODK Collect, ODK Central, and ODK Aggregate
• Installing and configuring ODK Collect on Android devices
• Uploading and deploying forms to ODK Central/Aggregate
• Testing and previewing forms before deployment
• Managing users, permissions, and form submissions

Module 4: Data Collection, Management, and Export

• Collecting and submitting data in the field using ODK Collect
• Using GPS and media inputs (photos, audio, barcode)
• Offline data collection and synchronization
• Exporting and cleaning collected data for analysis
• Common troubleshooting and quality control techniques

Module 5: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Understanding spatial data types (vector, raster)
• Coordinate reference systems and map projections
• GIS data sources: shapefiles, GeoJSON, KML, CSV
• QGIS overview and interface navigation

Module 6: GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis in QGIS

• Importing and joining ODK-collected data into QGIS
• Visualizing GPS points, routes, and survey data on maps
• Symbolization, labeling, and styling layers
• Performing basic spatial analysis (e.g., buffer, clip, overlay)
• Creating attribute tables and filtering spatial data

Module 7: Cartography and Map Production

• Designing and customizing professional maps
• Adding legends, scale bars, north arrows, and titles
• Creating print layouts and exporting maps (PDF, PNG)
• Preparing maps for reports and stakeholder presentations

Module 8: Integrating Mobile Data Collection and GIS for Decision-Making

• Linking survey results to geographic patterns and trends
• Generating dashboards and summaries with location context
• Use cases: Disease surveillance, WASH service mapping, land use monitoring
• Data privacy, ethics, and responsible data sharing practices

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.