Geographic Information Systems Training Course

Participants can configure a GIS project, load datasets and manage layers for analysis.

• QGIS and ArcGIS Pro project structure, panes and layer properties
• Create map projects with defined coordinate reference systems
• Load CSV, GeoPackage, shapefile and web service datasets
• Inspect attribute tables, field types, nulls and coded values
• Configure symbology, labels, visibility ranges and layer order
• Save relative paths and package portable project files

Participants can source spatial data and assess its suitability for a stated purpose.

• Specify data requirements using purpose, scale, currency and positional accuracy
• Find authoritative boundary, address, imagery and demographic data sources
• Read ISO 19115 metadata for lineage, constraints and update cycles
• Assess positional, attribute, temporal and logical consistency errors
• Document licences, permitted use, attribution and redistribution restrictions
• Build a data inventory with owners, formats and refresh schedules

Participants can clean, join, geocode and transform data into analysis-ready GIS datasets.

• Standardise field names, data types, units and coded domains
• Join tables using stable keys and diagnose unmatched records
• Geocode addresses, review match scores and resolve ambiguous locations
• Use SQL expressions to select, calculate and recode attributes
• Detect duplicates, invalid geometries, gaps, overlaps and sliver polygons
• Record cleaning rules in a repeatable transformation log

Participants can create and maintain accurate spatial features using controlled editing methods.

• Create point, line and polygon features using topology-aware editing
• Set snapping, tracing and vertex tolerances for accurate capture
• Apply domains, subtypes and default values during feature entry
• Validate edits through attribute rules and topology checks
• Calculate geometry fields for length, area and perimeter
• Manage edit sessions, versioned copies and change records

Participants can use spatial queries and vector geoprocessing tools to answer location questions.

• Select features by attributes using Boolean, wildcard and range expressions
• Select features by location using intersect, within and touching relationships
• Spatial joins transferring counts, sums and nearest-feature attributes
• Buffer zones for service catchments, exclusion areas and impact assessment
• Clip, dissolve, merge and append operations for study-area datasets
• Overlay analysis using intersect, union, identity and erase tools

Participants can design clear thematic maps that communicate analytical findings accurately.

• Match map purpose with nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio data
• Classify values using natural breaks, quantiles, equal intervals and standard deviation
• Design symbols with visual hierarchy, contrast, grouping and preattentive variables
• Apply colour schemes mindful of colour-vision deficiency and print reproduction
• Construct labels using placement rules, scale ranges and annotation
• Assess choropleth maps for denominator choice and ecological fallacy

Participants can publish map products for print, briefing packs and controlled web sharing.

• Compose layouts with title, legend, scale bar, north arrow and credits
• Set map series using index layers, extent indicators and dynamic text
• Export print-ready PDF, SVG and PNG outputs at appropriate resolution
• Publish interactive web maps with pop-ups, filters and bookmarks
• Configure sharing permissions, groups and item descriptions for web maps
• Review maps against audience tasks, accessibility and decision context

Participants can process raster data and interpret imagery for operational screening and mapping.

• Raster cell values, bands, bit depth and NoData handling
• Compare satellite, aerial and drone imagery by resolution and revisit frequency
• Read spectral signatures across visible, near-infrared and shortwave infrared bands
• Perform raster clipping, mosaicking, resampling and format conversion
• Calculate NDVI and band ratios for vegetation condition screening
• Distinguish supervised classification from unsupervised clustering and visual interpretation

Participants can derive terrain, drainage and visibility information from elevation datasets.

• Build digital elevation models from raster elevation and contour inputs
• Derive hillshade, slope, aspect and contour products from DEMs
• Apply hydrological conditioning using fill, flow direction and accumulation
• Identify drainage catchments, stream networks and potential flood pathways
• Measure line-of-sight visibility using observer and target height parameters
• Compare terrain outputs against field observations and source limitations

Participants can select and interpret basic spatial statistical and interpolation methods.

• Describe spatial autocorrelation using Moran's I and clustered patterns
• Choose interpolation methods: IDW, spline and ordinary kriging
• Set variogram parameters: nugget, sill, range and directional anisotropy
• Run cross-validation using mean error and root mean square error
• Map uncertainty surfaces alongside interpolated predictions for responsible interpretation
• Recognise modifiable areal unit problem and ecological inference limits

Participants can evaluate routes, service coverage and facility locations using network methods.

• Build network datasets from roads, restrictions, turn costs and speeds
• Calculate shortest paths using distance, time and impedance criteria
• Generate service areas for response standards and facility accessibility
• Use origin-destination cost matrices to compare access options
• Locate facilities using demand weights, capacity constraints and coverage goals
• Test scenario sensitivity against closures, congestion and travel-time assumptions

Participants can design controlled field data collection processes and review submitted records.

• Design mobile forms with domains, required fields and conditional logic
• Capture coordinates using GNSS accuracy thresholds and averaging settings
• Attach photographs, notes and timestamps to inspected assets
• Synchronise offline field edits, resolve conflicts and audit submissions
• Plan sampling locations using random, systematic and stratified designs
• Apply privacy controls to sensitive locations and personal data

Participants can automate repeatable GIS workflows and document their processing controls.

• Model repeatable workflows with graphical tools, parameters and batch processing
• Write basic Python scripts for geoprocessing, loops and file handling
• Use GDAL commands for raster translation, reprojection and compression
• Schedule refreshes, validate inputs and log processing exceptions
• Apply version control principles to scripts, models and documentation
• Estimate processing time, storage needs and cloud compute costs

Participants can establish governance controls for spatial data, published maps and GIS workflows.

• Define GIS operating procedures for data stewardship, review and publication
• Assign roles using RACI for collection, editing, approval and access
• Set quality acceptance criteria for completeness, positional accuracy and timeliness
• Maintain metadata records using ISO 19115 elements and controlled keywords
• Assess data protection risks for addresses, movements and vulnerable populations
• Specify retention, archival and disposal rules for spatial datasets

Participants can build, review and present a complete GIS decision product addressing a defined operational question.

• Frame a decision question, stakeholders, study extent and success criteria
• Acquire, document and prepare source datasets for the stated question
• Select analysis methods, assumptions, parameters and validation checks
• Produce decision maps, tables and web outputs for intended users
• Review findings through peer critique, uncertainty statements and quality checks
• Present recommendations, limitations, metadata and handover requirements