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NITA AccreditedIntermediatePhysical + Virtual5 daysTOFG686

Training on Field GIS & Mobile Data Collection (Survey123, FieldMaps & ODK)

Learn how to design, deploy, and manage mobile data collection systems using Survey123, Field Maps, and ODK for field-based GIS applications.

Next intake

20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru

View all dates

Duration

5 days

Live instruction

Delivery

Physical + Virtual

Cohort based

Level

Intermediate

Working professionals

Certification

NITA reimbursable

For Kenyan cohorts

Language

English

All materials

Overview

About this programme

Effective field data collection is essential for accurate GIS analysis and operational decision-making. This course introduces practical techniques for planning and executing mobile GIS surveys using Survey123, FieldMaps, and ODK, while integrating real-time geospatial data with enterprise GIS platforms.

Participants will learn how to configure forms, set up offline data collection, manage synchronization, and ensure data accuracy for both small and large-scale field operations. The training supports strategic implementation and data-driven field management.

Duration 

5 Days

Who Should Attend

  • GIS and mapping professionals

  • Field survey coordinators

  • Monitoring & evaluation officers

  • Environmental specialists

  • Engineers and infrastructure planners

  • Data collection project managers

  • NGOs, humanitarian, and development practitioners

Learning outcomes

What you'll walk away with

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Design and implement mobile data collection workflows

  • Use Survey123, FieldMaps, and ODK for spatial data capture

  • Manage offline data, GPS accuracy, and field coordination

  • Perform data validation, synchronization, and integration into GIS systems

  • Apply collected data for mapping, reporting, and decision support

Course modules

What we cover, module by module

Module 1: Introduction to Field GIS & Mobile Data Technologies

  • Fundamentals of field GIS and digital data collection

  • Overview of Survey123, FieldMaps, and ODK

  • Field operations planning and data requirements

  • GPS accuracy, device configuration, and connectivity

  • Case Study: Designing a field survey for disaster risk assessment

  • Practical Exercise:Develop a basic field GIS survey framework


Module 2: Survey123 Form Creation and Deployment

  • Form design using XLSForm and ArcGIS Survey123 Connect

  • Spatial data capture using smart forms and geopoints

  • Offline data collection strategies

  • Deployment and sharing to field teams

  • Case Study:Mobile survey for infrastructure asset mapping

  • Practical Exercise:Create and deploy a custom Survey123 form


Module 3: FieldMaps for Geospatial Data Collection

  • Configuring FieldMaps for map-based capture

  • Integrating with ArcGIS Online / Enterprise

  • Collecting, editing, and updating features in the field

  • Attachment and media capture (photos, video, remarks)

  • Case Study:Field asset inspection using FieldMaps

  • Practical Exercise: Set up a FieldMaps data collection project


Module 4: Using ODK for Large Scale Field Operations

  • ODK form development using XLSForm

  • Data synchronization using ODK Central / KoboToolbox

  • Real-time field team monitoring

  • Automated quality checks and validation

  • Case Study: Mobile survey for social-economic household mapping

  • Practical Exercise:Deploy a functional ODK form with georeferencing


Module 5: Data Integration, Analysis & Reporting

  • Synchronizing data to GIS platforms

  • Cleaning and validating field data

  • Dashboard creation and reporting

  • Exporting results for decision-making and presentations

  • Case Study:​​​​​​​ Operational decision-making using real-time field data

  • Practical Exercise:Integrate field data into a GIS dashboard

Impact

Where the change lands

Personal Impact

  • Enhances technical capability in digital field operations

  • Improves accuracy, efficiency, and reporting of field surveys

  • Builds confidence in managing real-time mobile data systems

Organizational Impact

  • Streamlines field survey workflows

  • Enhances data-driven planning and monitoring

  • Reduces errors and manual processes in data capture

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.

Full calendar
FAQs

Common questions.

Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.

Basic GIS knowledge is beneficial but not mandatory.

Course finder

Find the right course for you

Prefer to talk it through? Send us an enquiry and a facilitator will scope a fit within a business day.

For corporate teams

Training 10+ professionals?

We deliver Training on Field GIS & Mobile Data Collection (Survey123, FieldMaps & ODK) in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.