Training on Cartography and Map Design using GIS
Master cartography and map design using GIS. Learn to create visually appealing and informative maps that effectively communicate geographic information.
Next intake
20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru
Duration
5 days
Live instruction
Delivery
Physical + Virtual
Cohort based
Level
Advanced
Working professionals
Certification
NITA reimbursable
For Kenyan cohorts
Language
English
All materials
About this programme
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of cartography and map design, focusing on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create visually compelling and informative maps. Participants will learn the principles of map design, the importance of cartographic elements, and how to effectively use GIS tools to produce maps that communicate spatial information clearly and accurately. The course emphasizes practical skills in map design, enabling participants to create maps that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective for various applications, including urban planning, environmental management, and data visualization.
Course Duration
5 Days
Who Should Attend
- GIS professionals looking to enhance their map design skills.
- Urban planners, environmental scientists, and geographers who use maps in their work.
- Students and researchers in geography, cartography, and related fields.
- Professionals involved in spatial data visualization and analysis.
- Anyone interested in learning how to create high-quality maps using GIS technology.
What you'll walk away with
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental principles of cartography and map design.
- Develop skills in using GIS tools to create effective and visually appealing maps.
- Learn to apply cartographic elements such as scale, projections, symbols, and color in map design.
- Gain the ability to critique and improve the quality of maps for different purposes.
- Produce professional-quality maps tailored to specific audiences and objectives.
What we cover, module by module
Module 1: Foundations of Cartography and GIS
- Introduction to cartography: history, evolution, and modern applications
- Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial thinking
- Components of GIS: hardware, software, data, people, and methods
- Types of maps and their practical applications
- Understanding map scales, coordinate systems, and map projections
- Spatial data concepts: vector and raster data models
- Role of cartography and GIS in decision-making and spatial analysis
- Case Study: Evolution of digital mapping and GIS in urban planning
- Practical Exercise: Exploring GIS software interfaces and creating basic maps using spatial datasets
Module 2: Principles of Cartographic Design
- Core principles of effective map design and communication
- Map elements: title, legend, north arrow, scale bar, grids, and metadata
- Symbolization techniques and visual hierarchy in cartography
- Color theory and its application in thematic mapping
- Typography, labeling, and annotation best practices
- Designing maps for clarity, accuracy, and readability
- Ethical considerations in cartographic representation
- Case Study: Designing thematic maps for public health and demographic analysis
- Practical Exercise: Creating visually balanced and reader-friendly thematic maps using GIS tools
Module 3: Advanced GIS Mapping and Spatial Visualization
- Creating thematic maps: choropleth, heat maps, proportional symbols, and dot density maps
- Spatial data visualization and interpretation techniques
- Working with layers, symbology, and transparency settings in GIS
- Advanced map styling and customization
- Integrating spatial analysis results into cartographic outputs
- 3D mapping and terrain visualization techniques
- Exporting, printing, and sharing professional-quality maps
- Case Study: GIS visualization for transportation and environmental management projects
- Practical Exercise: Developing advanced thematic and analytical maps using real-world datasets
Module 4: Applied Cartography and GIS Solutions
- GIS mapping applications in urban and regional planning
- Environmental and natural resource mapping techniques
- Cartography for disaster risk reduction and emergency response
- Infrastructure and utility mapping using GIS
- Land use and land cover mapping applications
- Web mapping and interactive GIS dashboards
- Integrating remote sensing and GPS data into cartographic workflows
- Case Study: Disaster response mapping using GIS for emergency management
- Practical Exercise: Designing an applied GIS mapping project for planning or environmental monitoring
Module 5: Cartographic Project Development and Map Evaluation
- Planning and managing cartographic and GIS mapping projects
- Developing professional map layouts and map series
- Conducting quality assurance and map accuracy checks
- Critiquing and evaluating map effectiveness and usability
- Best practices for presenting spatial information to stakeholders
- Preparing cartographic products for print, web, and mobile platforms
- Emerging trends in cartography: web GIS, story maps, AI, and real-time mapping
- Case Study: Review of successful GIS cartography projects across multiple sectors
- Practical Exercise: Final hands-on project involving the design, analysis, and presentation of a comprehensive GIS map product
Where the change lands
Organisational Impact
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Enhances the organisation’s ability to communicate complex spatial data through clear, well-designed maps.
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Improves decision-making by ensuring spatial information is presented accurately and effectively.
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Strengthens stakeholder engagement with professional-quality cartographic outputs.
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Supports diverse projects-from urban planning to environmental management—through impactful visual communication.
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Builds institutional expertise in cartographic design, reducing reliance on external map design services.
Personal Impact
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Equips participants with practical cartographic and design skills using GIS tools.
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Expands career opportunities in GIS, urban planning, cartography, and environmental analysis.
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Builds confidence in creating maps that are both visually appealing and functionally effective.
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Enhances technical expertise in applying cartographic principles to real-world spatial data visualization.
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Empowers participants to transform raw geospatial data into professional-quality communication tools.
Dates and locations
Upcoming intakes
Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.
| City | Starts | Ends | Delivery | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NakuruNext | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kigali | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Accra | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kisumu | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Johannesburg | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Dakar | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
- NakuruNext
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kigali
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Accra
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kisumu
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Johannesburg
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Dakar
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake
Common questions.
Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.
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For corporate teams
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