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NITA AccreditedAdvancedPhysical + Virtual10 daysGVAC023

Training on GIS Mapping, Visualization, and Analysis using QGIS

Master GIS mapping, visualization, and analysis using QGIS. Learn to create stunning maps, analyze spatial data, and extract valuable insights.

Next intake

20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru

View all dates

Duration

10 days

Live instruction

Delivery

Physical + Virtual

Cohort based

Level

Advanced

Working professionals

Certification

NITA reimbursable

For Kenyan cohorts

Language

English

All materials

Overview

About this programme

This course provides an in-depth understanding of GIS mapping, visualization, and analysis using QGIS, an open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Participants will learn how to create, edit, visualize, and analyze geospatial data. The course covers fundamental concepts of GIS, spatial data handling, cartography, and spatial analysis techniques, with practical applications in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and public health. This course structure provides a comprehensive learning experience, equipping participants with the necessary skills to proficiently use QGIS for various GIS applications.

Course Duration

10 Days

Who Should Attend

  • GIS professionals and practitioners seeking to enhance their skills in QGIS.
  • Environmental scientists and researchers using GIS for spatial analysis.
  • Urban and regional planners involved in mapping and spatial data analysis.
  • Public health officials and epidemiologists working with spatial data.
  • Students and academics in geography, geology, environmental science, and related fields.
  • Anyone interested in learning GIS mapping and analysis using QGIS.
Learning outcomes

What you'll walk away with

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

  • To introduce participants to the fundamental concepts and functionalities of QGIS.
  • To provide hands-on experience in creating and managing spatial data.
  • To teach participants how to perform spatial analysis and generate insightful maps.
  • To enable participants to apply GIS techniques to real-world problems in various domains.
  • To enhance the ability to communicate spatial information effectively through visualization.
Course modules

What we cover, module by module

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and QGIS

  • Overview of GIS concepts
  • Introduction to QGIS interface and features
  • Setting up QGIS for the first time
  • Case Study: How GIS transformed municipal urban planning
  • Practical Exercise: Install QGIS and explore interface components

Module 2: Spatial Data Management

  • Types of spatial data (vector and raster)

  • Importing and exporting spatial data

  • Data sources and data acquisition
    Case Study: Spatial data use in disaster risk mapping
    Practical Exercise: Load different datasets and identify formats in QGIS


Module 3: Creating and Editing Spatial Data

  • Digitizing vector data
  • Editing and updating spatial features
  • Georeferencing raster images
  • Case Study: Land parcel boundary digitization for local government
  • Practical Exercise: Digitize sample boundaries and update attributes

Module 4: Cartography and Map Design

  • Principles of cartography
  • Creating thematic maps
  • Styling and symbolizing spatial data
  • Designing map layouts
  • Case Study: Public health heat map used for disease surveillance
  • Practical Exercise: Design a thematic map including legend and scale

Module 5: Spatial Analysis Techniques

  • Vector analysis (buffer, overlay, spatial join)
  • Raster analysis (map algebra, reclassification)
  • Network analysis and routing
  • Spatial statistics and hot spot analysis
  • Case Study: Road network optimization for emergency response
  • Practical Exercise: Perform buffer analysis on a sample highway dataset

Module 6: Advanced Visualization Techniques

  • 3D visualization of spatial data
  • Creating interactive web maps
  • Using plugins for extended functionalities
  • Case Study: Using 3D GIS for terrain modeling in construction planning
  • Practical Exercise: Publish a simple web map using QGIS2Web plugin

Module 7: Applications of QGIS in Various Fields

  • Environmental impact assessments
  • Public health and epidemiology mapping
  • Natural resource management
  • Case Study: GIS-based deforestation monitoring project
  • Practical Exercise: Analyze land cover change using raster layers

Module 8: Data Quality, Validation & Metadata

  • Ensuring accuracy and precision in GIS data
  • Spatial data validation techniques
  • Metadata creation and documentation standards
  • Case Study: Consequences of inaccurate GIS data in flood prediction
  • Practical Exercise: Perform quality assessment on sample dataset

Module 9: Integration with Other Systems & Automation

  • Importing GPS, Excel, CAD, and Remote Sensing data
  • Automating tasks using QGIS Model Builder
  • Integrating GIS with external systems and databases
  • Case Study: Automating urban infrastructure inspections using GPS + QGIS
  • Practical Exercise: Create a basic task automation model in QGIS

Module 10: Project Work & Final Assessment

  • Hands-on project to apply learned concepts

  • Real-world GIS/QGIS problem-solving

  • Presentation of spatial analysis outputs

  • Final review and assessment

Impact

Where the change lands

Organisational Impact

  • Enhances institutional capacity by leveraging cost-effective, open-source QGIS for mapping and analysis.

  • Improves data-driven decision-making through accurate spatial visualization and analysis.

  • Reduces reliance on expensive proprietary software while maintaining high-quality GIS outputs.

  • Supports cross-sector applications, including urban planning, environmental management, and public health.

  • Builds organisational expertise in producing clear, impactful maps for planning, monitoring, and reporting.

Personal Impact

  • Equips participants with hands-on skills to create, edit, and analyze spatial data using QGIS.

  • Expands career opportunities in GIS, environmental management, urban planning, and public health.

  • Builds confidence in handling geospatial datasets and applying spatial analysis techniques.

  • Provides practical experience in designing professional-quality maps and visualizations.

  • Empowers learners to independently apply GIS mapping and analysis skills across multiple sectors using open-source 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.

Full calendar
FAQs

Common questions.

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

The goal is to equip you with the skills to use QGIS for mapping, visualization, and analysis. You'll learn to create professional-quality maps and use spatial data to gain insights for data-driven decisions.

Course finder

Find the right course for you

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For corporate teams

Training 10+ professionals?

We deliver Training on GIS Mapping, Visualization, and Analysis using QGIS 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.