GIS Cartography Using ArcGIS Training Course

Duration 10 days 18 modules · 65 contact hours
Level Intermediate Certificate on completion
Who attends GIS Analysts, Cartographers and others
Fee from USD 2,200 KSh 190,000 for Kenyan organisations
Where 52 cities + online See dates by city
Next start 9 Nov 2026 Course code SD-GRS-031

Before you join: Participants should be comfortable opening, querying and editing GIS datasets and should understand vector and raster data, attribute tables, layers and basic coordinate concepts.

Dates & prices

Two start dates a month in every city, and live online on weekdays or weekends. Fees are per participant; classroom fees include tuition, materials, lunch and refreshments, and the certificate.

Suggest a date or city

Showing the next six months. Later dates, other cities and private deliveries for your team are available on request.

Course overview

Maps used for operational decisions must do more than display data. Emergency planners need readable incident maps under time pressure; utility teams need asset maps that distinguish status and risk; public agencies need publication-ready thematic maps that meet accessibility and branding requirements. Poor symbolisation, unsuitable classification, weak labelling or an unplanned projection can misstate patterns and reduce confidence in the analysis behind a map.

This course develops practical cartographic production skills using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. Participants prepare spatial data, select coordinate systems, design thematic maps, apply classification methods, build symbols, control labels, create reference maps and produce layouts for print and digital distribution. The course also covers map series, chart integration, metadata, accessibility considerations and quality assurance. Participants learn to explain design decisions in terms of audience, purpose, scale, data quality and the message a map must communicate.

Instruction combines focused demonstrations with guided case work drawn from public services, infrastructure, environmental monitoring and commercial territory planning. Participants build cartographic products from the first week, receive structured peer and instructor review, and refine their work against a defined brief. They leave with a completed map product, a cartographic specification, a quality-control checklist and reusable ArcGIS Pro project structures for future assignments.

The course suits GIS professionals who already work with spatial data and need stronger map design and production capability. It is particularly relevant where teams publish maps for executives, field staff, regulators, customers or the public and need consistent, defensible visual communication.

What you will be able to do

  • Design purpose-led map specifications for defined audiences, media and decision tasks
  • Prepare ArcGIS Pro projects using appropriate coordinate systems, scales and data structures
  • Apply graduated, proportional, dot density and bivariate symbology to thematic data
  • Select and justify data classification methods using distribution and communication criteria
  • Construct legible labels, annotations and reference information using ArcGIS placement tools
  • Produce print-ready layouts, map series and PDF exports to stated production standards
  • Publish and configure web maps in ArcGIS Online for operational and public audiences
  • Review and present a complete cartographic product against a documented quality checklist

Benefits of attending

For you

  • Produce publication-ready maps without relying on external design support
  • Defend classification, projection and symbol choices during technical review
  • Build a portfolio-quality map product for professional use
  • Reduce rework through repeatable ArcGIS Pro production workflows
  • Communicate spatial findings clearly to non-GIS decision makers

For your organisation

  • Improve consistency across operational, regulatory and public-facing maps
  • Reduce misinterpretation caused by unsuitable symbols, labels and classifications
  • Shorten production cycles for reports, briefings and map series
  • Create reusable templates aligned with organisational branding and map standards
  • Strengthen quality assurance before maps support decisions or publication

Course modules

18 modules over 10 days

Participants can define a map purpose, audience, message and production specification.

  • Map purpose statements tied to decisions, audiences and publication channels
  • Audience analysis for executives, field teams, regulators and public users
  • Single-message principle for thematic maps and decision-focused visual hierarchy
  • Cartographic brief components: extent, scale, format, deadline and approval criteria
  • Reading tasks used to test whether map content supports decisions
  • Ethical representation of uncertainty, sensitive locations and potentially misleading patterns

Participants can configure an ArcGIS Pro project for controlled map production.

  • ArcGIS Pro project structure, geodatabases, folders and map naming conventions
  • Catalog pane workflows for managing layers, styles and layout resources
  • Map properties configured for units, display settings and reference scales
  • Layer naming conventions that support clear contents panes and handover
  • Connection paths repaired using project-relative folders and package resources
  • Map packages and project packages prepared for controlled sharing

Participants can select coordinate systems and scales appropriate to map purpose and extent.

  • Geographic coordinate systems, projected coordinate systems and datum transformations distinguished
  • Projection selection based on area, distance, direction and visual appearance
  • UTM zones, national grids and local coordinate reference systems compared
  • On-the-fly projection checked against source metadata and transformation warnings
  • Scale ranges set to control layer visibility and feature generalisation
  • Distortion assessed using graticules, reference data and intended measurement tasks

Participants can prepare source data for accurate and readable cartographic display.

  • Attribute fields profiled for nulls, outliers, duplicates and inconsistent categories
  • Join and relate operations checked for record counts and key integrity
  • Dissolve, clip and select tools used to create map-ready feature subsets
  • Field aliases, domains and formatted values prepared for legends and pop-ups
  • Geometry repairs identified before symbolisation and final export
  • Data source metadata recorded with currency, ownership and known limitations

Participants can organise map elements to direct attention to the intended message.

  • Visual variables of size, value, hue, texture, orientation and shape
  • Figure-ground relationships created through contrast, masking and subdued reference layers
  • Hierarchy established between thematic features, context layers and marginal information
  • Gestalt principles applied to proximity, similarity, enclosure and visual grouping
  • Information density balanced against page size, scale and reader tasks
  • White space used to separate map elements and improve visual order

Participants can select colour schemes that communicate values, categories and priority clearly.

  • Sequential, diverging and qualitative colour schemes matched to data meaning
  • ColourBrewer palettes selected for print, screen and colour-vision accessibility
  • Lightness contrast checked for symbols, labels and background basemaps
  • Hue and saturation controlled to preserve visual hierarchy across layers
  • No-data and uncertain values represented without implying false certainty
  • Corporate colours adapted without compromising categorical distinction or readability

Participants can create thematic maps using defensible classification methods.

  • Choropleth mapping requirements for normalised rates, ratios and percentages
  • Natural Breaks classification compared with quantile, equal interval and standard deviation
  • Class counts selected using distribution shape, audience needs and visual discrimination
  • Histograms inspected before classification choices are committed to map design
  • Outliers handled through data transformation, separate classes or annotation
  • Classification rationale documented for review, reuse and analytical transparency

Participants can match advanced thematic techniques to the structure of their data.

  • Proportional symbols scaled by area perception and minimum readable size
  • Graduated symbols classified using meaningful thresholds and visual hierarchy
  • Dot density maps configured with defensible dot values and placement rules
  • Bivariate choropleths designed using a two-variable colour matrix
  • Multivariate symbols assessed for cognitive load and interpretation risks
  • Legend designs tested against expected reader questions and comparison tasks

Participants can build reusable symbols for operational and publication maps.

  • ArcGIS Pro symbol layers combined for markers, strokes and fills
  • Point symbols designed for status, type, priority and scale-dependent visibility
  • Line symbols structured for routes, networks, boundaries and directional flows
  • Polygon fills differentiated using transparency, patterns, outlines and colour value
  • Symbol level drawing used to resolve crossings and overlapping feature classes
  • Style files created for approved symbols, colour schemes and layout elements

Participants can create legible text that supports map reading at intended scales.

  • Maplex Label Engine rules configured for priority, weight and placement
  • Label classes separated by feature type, scale range and text hierarchy
  • SQL label expressions built from attributes, abbreviations and formatted values
  • Conflict detection managed through buffers, callouts, stacking and label priorities
  • Feature-linked annotation used where fixed placement requires editorial control
  • Typography selected for legibility, hierarchy, language requirements and print resolution

Participants can adapt geographic detail for clear maps at multiple scales.

  • Selection, simplification, smoothing and aggregation applied to scale-dependent feature display
  • Minimum mapping units defined for polygons, points and linear features
  • Feature displacement used where symbols obscure nearby roads or boundaries
  • Visibility ranges applied to prevent clutter in zoomed-out map views
  • Representation rules documented for small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale products
  • Generalisation effects checked against positional accuracy and intended reader tasks

Participants can assemble context layers that support rather than compete with thematic content.

  • Reference feature selection based on orientation, location and audience familiarity
  • Basemap choice assessed for licence terms, detail level and visual competition
  • Hillshade, contours and elevation tints used without obscuring thematic symbols
  • Administrative boundaries styled according to jurisdictional relevance and map scale
  • Inset maps designed to establish location, extent and regional context
  • ArcGIS Living Atlas layers evaluated for authority, currency and fitness

Participants can construct balanced layouts for print, briefing and report publication.

  • Layout page sizes selected for printers, reports, presentations and field use
  • Map frames configured with extent indicators, clipping and scale control
  • Legends edited for order, labels, patch shapes and meaningful units
  • Scale bars, north arrows and grids selected for map purpose
  • Credits, sources, dates and disclaimers placed using publication requirements
  • Alignment guides and dynamic text used for repeatable layout composition

Participants can create consistent multi-page map outputs from index features and attributes.

  • Spatial map series configured from index layers, names and page numbers
  • Bookmark map series created for predefined operational areas and views
  • Dynamic text populated with page names, dates, scales and metadata
  • Page queries used to filter supporting layers by current map sheet
  • Export presets prepared for PDF, PNG and press-ready production outputs
  • Map series quality checks applied to extent, labels and page content

Participants can integrate charts and explanatory elements without weakening map clarity.

  • ArcGIS Pro charts selected for comparison, trend, composition and distribution
  • Chart titles, axes and units aligned with mapped variables and classifications
  • Infographic elements limited to evidence needed for the stated decision
  • Statistical annotations used to explain thresholds, trends and significant exceptions
  • Map and chart visual encodings coordinated through matching categories and colours
  • Explanatory notes distinguish observed data, estimates, assumptions and limitations

Participants can publish and configure web maps for controlled digital distribution.

  • Web map purpose defined for exploration, briefing, field use or public information
  • ArcGIS Online web maps configured with layers, bookmarks and scale ranges
  • Pop-ups designed with field aliases, formatting, media and concise explanations
  • Feature layer sharing controlled through groups, organisation settings and public access
  • Web map legends, basemaps and bookmarks tested on desktop and mobile screens
  • Item descriptions completed with credits, terms, tags and usage constraints

Participants can review maps systematically before approval, export or publication.

  • Pre-publication checks cover accuracy, completeness, legibility and intended message
  • ISO 19115 metadata elements identified for source, lineage and spatial reference
  • Accessibility review checks colour contrast, text size and non-colour distinctions
  • Print proofs inspected for resolution, overprint, margins and symbol reproduction
  • Peer review comments recorded against map brief criteria and approval decisions
  • Version control practices preserve approved projects, exports and source data

Participants can build, review and present a complete cartographic product from brief to publication.

  • Capstone brief interpreted into audience, message, scale and output requirements
  • Source datasets prepared, documented and assessed for cartographic suitability
  • Thematic or reference map designed using justified symbols and classification
  • Layout or web map produced with legends, labels and supporting context
  • Quality checklist applied through peer review, revision and final approval
  • Final product presented with rationale, limitations and publication recommendations

Exercises and examples are adapted to each cohort's sectors and roles.

What you take back to work

  1. Cartographic map brief template
  2. ArcGIS Pro project structure
  3. Thematic classification decision guide
  4. Approved symbol and colour style library
  5. Map quality-control checklist
  6. Completed capstone map product

Who should attend

  • GIS Analysts — need to produce defensible thematic and reference maps from operational data
  • Cartographers — need structured ArcGIS Pro workflows for consistent map production
  • Spatial Data Officers — need to turn maintained datasets into clear decision products
  • Urban and Regional Planners — need readable maps for plans, consultations and approvals
  • Environmental Specialists — need to communicate monitoring results, risk and field findings
  • Infrastructure Asset Managers — need asset, condition and service-area maps for operational reporting

Skills and tools covered

Thematic map designArcGIS Pro productionSymbol and label designCoordinate system selectionMap quality assuranceWeb map publishing

Tools and standards

ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Living Atlas, ISO 19115

How the course runs

Training methodology

The course uses short instructor briefings followed by ArcGIS Pro demonstrations, individual production tasks and structured review sessions. Cases include service coverage, environmental condition, asset management and emergency information products. Participants compare classification and symbol choices, diagnose common readability problems and use peer critique against a cartographic brief. Group discussions examine audience needs, scale, accessibility and publication constraints. Each participant applies the methods to a staged map project, ending with a reviewed presentation of a completed cartographic product.

Requirements and prerequisites

Participants should be comfortable opening, querying and editing GIS datasets and should understand vector and raster data, attribute tables, layers and basic coordinate concepts. Prior use of ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap or another desktop GIS is expected, although advanced cartographic production experience is not required. Participants should be able to interpret tabular data and make simple calculations in a spreadsheet. Programming, Python, database administration, remote-sensing image processing and prior graphic-design qualifications are not required. The course focuses on making sound cartographic decisions and producing maps in ArcGIS.

A typical training day

08:30 – 10:30First session
10:30 – 10:45Refreshment break
10:45 – 12:30Second session
12:30 – 13:30Lunch and networking
13:30 – 15:00Third session
15:00 – 15:15Refreshment break
15:15 – 16:30Workshop and daily review

Live online deliveries follow the same structure in East Africa Time, with shorter screen blocks and longer breaks.

What the fee includes

  • Instruction by a practitioner facilitator
  • Full course workbook and materials
  • Exercise files, templates and case studies
  • Refreshments and lunch on classroom deliveries
  • Certificate of completion
  • Post-course application plan

Frequently asked questions

You should already understand GIS layers, attribute tables, basic spatial data types and routine ArcGIS or comparable desktop GIS tasks. This is not an introductory GIS course, but prior professional cartography experience is not necessary.

Bring a laptop if your delivery arrangement requires it, plus any non-sensitive map examples or style requirements relevant to your work. Training datasets and ArcGIS Pro materials are provided for the course activities.

It suits GIS analysts, spatial data officers, planners, environmental specialists and asset teams who need to produce clear maps for decisions or publication. It is also appropriate for experienced GIS users moving from data management into cartographic production.

ArcGIS Pro fundamentals courses concentrate on general software operation, data management and basic mapping. This course assumes those foundations and focuses on visual hierarchy, thematic design, labelling, layouts, map series, quality review and publication choices.

You can use the map brief, classification guide, style library approach and quality checklist for reports, operational maps, public information products and web maps. The methods are applicable wherever spatial evidence must be explained accurately to a defined audience.

Each day runs from 08:30 to 16:30 and provides about 6.5 contact hours. The first week establishes production foundations and creates working map outputs; the second week develops advanced production, web publication, quality assurance and the final capstone.

Questions about this course?

Ask about dates, fees, group bookings or running it for your team. Our training team replies by email.

Ask on WhatsApp info@skillsetdevelopment.com

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