Training on GIS for Urban Planning and Development
Master GIS for urban planning and development. Learn to analyze urban patterns, assess infrastructure needs, and optimize urban development strategies.
Next intake
20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru
Duration
10 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 offers a comprehensive introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a focus on urban planning and development. Participants will learn how to leverage GIS tools and techniques to analyze spatial data, make informed decisions, and address urban planning challenges. The course covers topics such as land use planning, transportation systems, environmental management, and urban growth analysis. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, participants will gain practical skills in using GIS software to support sustainable urban development.
Duration
10 Days
Who Should Attend
- Urban Planners
- GIS Professionals
- Architects and Engineers
- Government Officials in Urban Development
- Environmental Planners
- Real Estate Developers
- Students and Academics in Urban Planning
- NGOs working on urban development projects
What you'll walk away with
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- To understand the fundamental concepts and principles of GIS in the context of urban planning.
- To develop skills in spatial data collection, management, and analysis for urban development.
- To apply GIS tools for land use planning, zoning, and environmental impact assessment.
- To enhance decision-making in urban planning through spatial analysis and modeling.
- To explore case studies and best practices in the use of GIS for sustainable urban development.
What we cover, module by module
Module 1: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Definition and concepts of GIS
- Components of a GIS system
- Applications of GIS in urban planning and development
- Case Study: How GIS is used in modern smart city planning (e.g., Nairobi urban expansion analysis)
- Practical:Identify GIS components and map a simple urban dataset (roads, buildings, land use)
Module 2: GIS Tools for Urban Planning
- Overview of GIS software for urban planning
- Installation and setup of GIS software
- Case Study: Use of QGIS in city zoning and infrastructure planning
- Practical:Install GIS software and load a basic urban dataset
Module 3: Spatial Data Fundamentals for Urban Planning
- Vector and raster data types
- Coordinate systems and projections
- Urban planning data sources (aerial imagery, cadastral data)
- Case Study: Cadastral mapping for land ownership and urban development control
- Practical:Import and reproject spatial datasets for an urban area
Module 4: Data Management and Processing for Urban Planning
- Importing and exporting urban data
- Data cleaning and preprocessing
- Land use classification and accessibility analysis
- Case Study: Transport accessibility analysis for public service planning
- Practical:Clean and prepare urban dataset for land use analysis
Module 5: Urban Planning Applications of GIS
- Land use planning and zoning
- Transport and traffic analysis
- Infrastructure planning
- Urban growth modeling
- Case Study: GIS-based urban expansion control in fast-growing cities
- Practical:Perform basic land use zoning and simple spatial analysis
Module 6: Environmental Planning with GIS
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
- Sustainability analysis
- Natural hazard mapping
- Case Study: Flood risk mapping for urban settlements
- Practical:Create a basic environmental risk map using GIS layers
Module 7: Participatory Planning with GIS
- Community engagement in planning
- Citizen science GIS applications
- Online mapping platforms
- Case Study: Community-driven slum upgrading projects using participatory GIS
- Practical:Create a simple web map for community feedback visualization
Module 8: 3D Modeling and Visualization for Urban Planning
- 3D city modeling
- Urban scenario visualization
- VR and AR in planning
- Case Study: 3D visualization of proposed urban developments for stakeholder approval
- Practical:Build a basic 3D visualization of an urban area
Module 9: Urban Analytics with GIS
- Big data in urban planning
- Machine learning applications
- Smart city GIS systems
- Case Study: Smart traffic management using GIS and real-time data
- Practical:Analyze a simple urban dataset for pattern identification
Module 10: Advanced Topics in GIS for Urban Planning
- Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS)
- Web-based GIS applications
- Real-world GIS urban planning case studies
- Case Study: GIS-driven master planning for a modern smart city
- Practical:Develop a mini GIS-based urban planning project and present findings
Where the change lands
Organisational Impact
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Strengthens institutional capacity to address urban growth challenges using spatial data.
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Enhances evidence-based decision-making in land use planning, transportation, and infrastructure development.
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Supports sustainable urban development by integrating GIS into planning and policy frameworks.
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Improves efficiency in resource allocation and project implementation through accurate spatial analysis.
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Builds organisational expertise to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability in cities.
Personal Impact
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Equips participants with specialized GIS skills tailored for urban planning and development.
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Expands career opportunities in planning, engineering, real estate, and government sectors.
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Builds confidence in analyzing urban spatial data to inform practical planning solutions.
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Provides hands-on experience in applying GIS to land use, transportation, and environmental management.
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Empowers participants to contribute meaningfully to sustainable, data-driven urban development initiatives.
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 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kigali | 20 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Accra | 20 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kisumu | 27 Jul 2026 | 07 Aug 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Johannesburg | 27 Jul 2026 | 07 Aug 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Dakar | 27 Jul 2026 | 07 Aug 2026 | In-Person | Book |
- NakuruNext
20 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kigali
20 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Accra
20 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kisumu
27 Jul → 07 Aug·In-Person
Book this intake - Johannesburg
27 Jul → 07 Aug·In-Person
Book this intake - Dakar
27 Jul → 07 Aug·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
Training 10+ professionals?
We deliver Training on GIS for Urban Planning and Development 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.