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NITA AccreditedFoundationPhysical + Virtual5 daysTOQF606

Training on QGIS for Beginners- Open Source GIS Mastery

Master open-source GIS with practical QGIS training for mapping and decision-making.

Next intake

20 Jul 2026 · Dakar

View all dates

Duration

5 days

Live instruction

Delivery

Physical + Virtual

Cohort based

Level

Foundation

Working professionals

Certification

NITA reimbursable

For Kenyan cohorts

Language

English

All materials

Overview

About this programme

This course builds foundational and practical capacity in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using QGIS, the world’s leading open-source GIS platform. It is designed to enable learners to confidently work with spatial data for mapping, analysis, and decision support across multiple sectors.

The course introduces core GIS concepts, spatial data handling, map production, and basic spatial analysis using real-world datasets. Emphasis is placed on practical application, usability, and developing repeatable GIS workflows that support planning, monitoring, and reporting functions.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

  • GIS beginners and new practitioners

  • Government and local authority staff

  • NGO and development professionals

  • Environmental, agriculture, and planning officers

  • Researchers, students, and data officers

  • Organizations adopting open-source GIS solutions

Learning outcomes

What you'll walk away with

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

  • Understand fundamental GIS concepts and terminology

  • Navigate the QGIS interface and tools

  • Create, edit, and manage spatial datasets

  • Perform basic spatial analysis and queries

  • Produce professional-quality maps and reports

Course modules

What we cover, module by module

Module 1: Introduction to GIS & QGIS Environment

  • GIS concepts and applications

  • QGIS interface, tools, and plugins

  • Spatial data types and formats

  • Case Study:GIS applications in planning and development


Module 2: Data Management & Editing in QGIS

  • Importing and managing spatial data

  • Attribute tables and data editing

  • Coordinate reference systems

  • Case Study:Building and managing a spatial database


Module 3: Spatial Analysis & Geoprocessing

  • Vector and raster analysis basics

  • Spatial queries and overlays

  • Introduction to geoprocessing tools

  • Case Study:Site suitability analysis


Module 4: Map Design, Visualization & Outputs

  • Cartographic principles

  • Map layouts and symbology

  • Exporting maps for print and digital use

  • Case Study:Creating decision-ready maps


Module 5: Applied GIS Workflows & Practical Project

  • Integrating datasets for analysis

  • Basic automation and workflow design

  • Capstone project: End-to-end GIS mapping exercise

Impact

Where the change lands

Individual Impact

  • Confidence in using QGIS for everyday GIS tasks

  • Strong foundation for advanced GIS and remote sensing work

  • Improved analytical and mapping skills

Organizational Impact

  • Reduced reliance on proprietary GIS software

  • Improved data-driven planning and reporting

  • Cost-effective adoption of open-source geospatial solutions

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.

No. The course is designed for beginners.

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 QGIS for Beginners- Open Source GIS Mastery 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.