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NITA AccreditedIntermediatePhysical + Virtual10 daysSAR25

Training on Spatial Analysis with R

Master spatial analysis with R. Learn to analyze geographic data, create maps, and extract spatial insights.

Next intake

20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru

View all dates

Duration

10 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

Spatial Analysis with R is a comprehensive course designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to perform spatial data analysis using R. R is a powerful open-source programming language and environment widely used in data science and statistical computing. This course covers the fundamentals of spatial data types, visualization, and analysis, focusing on practical applications in various fields such as environmental science, urban planning and epidemiology. This course aims to equip participants with the skills to harness the power of R for spatial data manipulation, visualization, and analysis.

Course Duration

10 Days

Who Should Attend

  • Data analysts and scientists interested in spatial data.
  • GIS professionals looking to expand their analytical toolkit.
  • Urban planners and developers.
  • Environmental scientists and researchers.
  • Public health professionals.
  • Epidemiologists.
  • Students and academics pursuing degrees in geography, environmental science, or related fields.
Learning outcomes

What you'll walk away with

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

  • Understand the principles of spatial analysis and its applications across different domains.
  • Develop proficiency in using R for handling and analyzing spatial data.
  • Apply spatial analysis techniques to address real-world problems.
  • Create spatial visualizations and maps for effective communication.
  • Enhance decision-making processes through spatial insights.
Course modules

What we cover, module by module

Module 1: Introduction to Spatial Data and R

  • Overview of spatial data types

  • Introduction to R and RStudio

  • Installing and loading spatial packages in R

  • Practical Exercise: Set up RStudio and load spatial datasets

  • Case Study: Exploring a sample spatial dataset

Module 2: Data Import and Preprocessing

  • Importing spatial data (shapefiles, GeoJSON, etc.)

  • Cleaning and preprocessing spatial data

  • Coordinate reference systems and projections

  • Practical Exercise: Import a dataset, reproject coordinates, and clean data

Module 3: Spatial Data Visualization

  • Creating static maps with ggplot2 and tmap

  • Interactive mapping with leaflet and mapview

  • Customizing map aesthetics

  • Practical Exercise: Produce a thematic map of sample spatial data

  • Case Study: Visualizing urban population density

Module 4: Spatial Data Manipulation

  • Subsetting and filtering spatial data

  • Spatial joins and overlays

  • Buffering, dissolving, and other spatial operations

  • Practical Exercise: Perform overlays and buffer analysis on spatial layers

Module 5: Spatial Analysis Techniques

  • Point pattern analysis

  • Spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I, Geary's C)

  • Hotspot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*)

  • Practical Exercise: Identify clusters and hotspots in a disease dataset

  • Case Study: Mapping crime hotspots in a city

Module 6: Spatial Regression and Modeling

  • Spatial regression models

  • Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR)

  • Spatial interpolation techniques (Kriging, IDW)

  • Practical Exercise: Build a spatial regression model to predict a variable

  • Case Study: Predicting property prices using spatial regression

Module 7: Integrating Spatial Data with Other Data Sources

  • Combining spatial and non-spatial data

  • Handling large spatial datasets

  • Practical Exercise: Merge spatial layers with socio-economic data

  • Case Study: Linking census data with health outcomes

Module 8: Automation and Advanced Topics

  • Writing functions and scripts for spatial analysis

  • Automating workflows with R

  • Introduction to advanced topics (e.g., spatial machine learning)

  • Practical Exercise: Automate repetitive spatial analysis tasks

Module 9: Case Studies and Applied Projects

  • Real-world spatial data applications

  • Group project work using provided datasets

  • Practical Exercise: Complete an end-to-end spatial analysis project

  • Case Study: GIS for environmental monitoring

Module 10: Conclusion, Review, and Further Resources

  • Recap of key concepts and techniques

  • Discussion of further learning resources

  • Project presentations and peer feedback

  • Practical Exercise: Present project findings and maps

Impact

Where the change lands

Organisational Impact

  • Enhances organisational capacity to analyze spatial data for informed decision-making across multiple sectors.

  • Strengthens ability to integrate spatial analysis into projects such as urban planning, environmental management, and public health.

  • Reduces reliance on proprietary software by leveraging R as a cost-effective, open-source solution.

  • Improves data-driven strategies for resource allocation, risk assessment, and policy development.

  • Builds internal expertise in advanced geospatial analytics, boosting innovation and competitiveness.

Personal Impact

  • Equips participants with in-demand skills in spatial data analysis using R, a leading tool in data science.

  • Enhances career prospects in diverse fields such as GIS, environmental science, epidemiology, and urban planning.

  • Develops practical competencies in handling, visualizing, and analyzing spatial datasets.

  • Fosters problem-solving and critical thinking through real-world spatial analysis applications.

  • Provides transferable skills in programming and data science, broadening professional opportunities.

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 R for spatial analysis. You'll learn how to analyze geographical data, create maps, and gain insights from spatial patterns to support data-driven decision-making.

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 Spatial Analysis with R 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.