GIS for Water Resources Management Training Course

Duration 10 days 20 modules · 65 contact hours
Level Intermediate Certificate on completion
Who attends Water Resources Engineer, Hydrologist 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-032

Before you join: Participants should be comfortable using a desktop computer, managing files and interpreting basic maps, tables and charts.

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

Water-resource decisions depend on knowing where water originates, how it moves, what affects its quality, and which communities, assets and ecosystems face exposure. GIS and remote sensing turn rainfall, terrain, river-network, groundwater, land-cover and monitoring data into evidence for catchment planning, flood assessment, drought response, irrigation management and pollution control. The difficulty is rarely drawing a map; it is preparing defensible spatial data, selecting suitable methods, interpreting uncertainty and communicating results that engineers, regulators and decision-makers can act on.

This course develops practical GIS and remote-sensing capability for hydrology and water-resources work. Participants build geodatabases, prepare digital elevation models, delineate watersheds, derive drainage networks, analyse rainfall and streamflow records, assess land-use change, map flood exposure, examine groundwater conditions and interpret water-quality patterns. They apply raster analysis, spatial statistics, terrain processing, satellite-image classification and hydrological modelling workflows using recognised GIS and hydrology tools.

Instructor-led sessions combine short technical briefings with guided software work, water-sector cases, team analysis and structured review of outputs. Cases can be adapted to urban drainage authorities, river-basin agencies, utilities, irrigation schemes, mining operations, environmental regulators and humanitarian programmes. Participants leave with a complete water-resources GIS project package: documented data sources, analysis workflow, maps, model outputs, quality checks and a decision-focused presentation.

The course is designed for professionals who already work with maps, environmental data, engineering data or water-resource information and need to produce reliable spatial analysis rather than static cartography. It suits staff responsible for catchment studies, water-supply planning, flood-risk assessment, environmental compliance, infrastructure investment and climate-resilience planning.

What you will be able to do

  • Build a water-resources geodatabase using defined schemas, metadata and quality-control rules
  • Delineate catchments and drainage networks from conditioned digital elevation models
  • Analyse rainfall, streamflow and groundwater-monitoring data using spatial and temporal methods
  • Classify satellite imagery to map land cover, water extent and change detection results
  • Produce flood-hazard and exposure maps using terrain, hydrological and asset data
  • Apply HEC-HMS model inputs and interpret runoff-simulation outputs for catchment studies
  • Assess water-quality monitoring patterns using interpolation, standards and catchment pressures
  • Present a documented GIS water-resources assessment with defensible maps and recommendations

Benefits of attending

For you

  • Produce defensible catchment and flood-analysis maps for technical reports
  • Interpret satellite-derived water and land-cover information with stated limitations
  • Build a portfolio-ready water-resources GIS project and presentation
  • Communicate spatial uncertainty clearly to engineers, managers and regulators
  • Qualify for wider GIS, hydrology and environmental-analysis responsibilities

For your organisation

  • Improves consistency of catchment, flood and water-quality spatial assessments
  • Reduces reliance on external analysts for routine water-resource mapping
  • Strengthens evidence supporting infrastructure prioritisation and investment cases
  • Creates traceable data workflows for regulatory submissions and audit review
  • Identifies exposed communities, assets and pollution pressures earlier

Course modules

20 modules over 10 days

Participants can frame a water-resources question as a structured spatial-analysis workflow.

  • Water-balance components linked to spatial datasets and management decisions
  • Catchment, aquifer and river-network concepts represented through GIS layers
  • Problem framing using source-pathway-receptor and pressure-state-response models
  • Coordinate reference systems selected for catchment-scale hydrological analysis
  • Vector, raster and time-series data roles in water investigations
  • Analysis workflows documented from decision question through mapped evidence

Participants can design and populate a geodatabase for water-resources analysis.

  • Geodatabase schema designed for stations, catchments, assets and observations
  • Feature classes, domains and subtypes configured for controlled water data
  • Station identifiers reconciled across rainfall, discharge and quality records
  • Metadata recorded using ISO 19115 core elements and lineage statements
  • Relational tables joined through unique keys and observation dates
  • Data dictionaries prepared for field definitions, units and permitted values

Participants can assess, clean and prepare spatial datasets for reliable analysis.

  • Positional accuracy, completeness and logical consistency assessed before analysis
  • Topology rules identify gaps, overlaps, dangles and duplicate water features
  • Coordinate transformations checked against control points and authoritative basemaps
  • Missing monitoring values flagged using explicit null-value conventions
  • Raster cell size selected from terrain resolution and study purpose
  • Quality-control logs capture corrections, exclusions and unresolved data limitations

Participants can derive hydrologically meaningful terrain surfaces from elevation data.

  • Digital elevation model sources compared for resolution, date and vertical datum
  • Sink filling removes spurious depressions before flow-routing calculations
  • Flow direction derived using the D8 algorithm and conditioned elevations
  • Flow accumulation identifies probable drainage paths and contributing areas
  • Slope, aspect and curvature surfaces support runoff and erosion interpretation
  • Hydro-enforcement integrates surveyed channels, culverts and drainage structures

Participants can delineate watersheds, sub-catchments and drainage networks from terrain data.

  • Pour points snapped to flow accumulation cells before catchment delineation
  • Watershed boundaries generated from selected outlets and D8 flow grids
  • Stream thresholds calibrated against mapped channels and aerial imagery
  • Strahler stream order calculated for drainage-network characterisation
  • Sub-catchments partitioned around tributaries, reservoirs and monitoring stations
  • Drainage density and bifurcation ratio interpreted for runoff response

Participants can prepare and map rainfall information for catchment assessment.

  • Rain-gauge records screened for missing values, outliers and unit errors
  • Thiessen polygons estimate areal rainfall from uneven station distributions
  • Inverse distance weighting interpolates rainfall surfaces with stated assumptions
  • Rainfall anomalies calculated against a defined climatological reference period
  • Intensity-duration-frequency curves linked to design-storm selection
  • Satellite precipitation products compared with gauge observations and bias patterns

Participants can analyse streamflow records and represent hydrological response spatially.

  • Hydrographs interpreted for baseflow, quickflow, peaks and recession limbs
  • Stage-discharge rating curves reviewed for shifts, extrapolation and uncertainty
  • Flow-duration curves calculated for water-supply and ecological-flow decisions
  • Annual maximum series prepared for flood-frequency analysis using Gumbel distribution
  • Baseflow separation estimates groundwater contribution using digital-filter methods
  • Streamflow stations mapped with drainage area and upstream land-cover attributes

Participants can select suitable satellite imagery and indices for water-resources questions.

  • Spatial, spectral, temporal and radiometric resolution matched to study requirements
  • Landsat and Sentinel-2 bands interpreted for water and vegetation analysis
  • Atmospheric correction considered before comparing multi-date reflectance imagery
  • Cloud and shadow masks applied before land and water classification
  • Normalized Difference Water Index derived for open-water detection
  • Normalized Difference Vegetation Index supports catchment-cover interpretation

Participants can classify land cover and quantify changes affecting hydrological response.

  • Training samples selected from verified imagery, surveys and reference data
  • Supervised classification performed using the random forest algorithm
  • Confusion matrices report producer, user and overall classification accuracy
  • Post-classification comparison quantifies land-cover transitions between dates
  • Impervious-surface growth mapped for urban runoff and drainage assessment
  • Riparian vegetation change assessed against buffer zones and river corridors

Participants can map changing water extent and drought indicators from satellite data.

  • Water masks extracted using NDWI thresholds and visual quality checks
  • Seasonal reservoir extent measured from multi-date satellite imagery
  • Shoreline change calculated using consistent water-level and image-date records
  • Standardized Precipitation Index mapped for drought severity classification
  • Vegetation-condition anomalies compared with rainfall deficits and irrigation areas
  • Time-series charts distinguish seasonal variation from persistent water loss

Participants can map groundwater conditions and relate them to recharge and abstraction pressures.

  • Borehole logs standardised for depth, lithology, screen interval and yield
  • Groundwater-level surfaces interpolated using ordinary kriging and variogram review
  • Potentiometric contours interpreted for hydraulic gradient and groundwater flow
  • Recharge potential mapped from soils, slope, geology and land cover
  • Wellhead protection zones generated from travel-time and vulnerability criteria
  • Abstraction points analysed against aquifer properties and monitoring trends

Participants can map water-quality patterns and identify likely catchment pressure sources.

  • Water-quality parameters standardised for units, detection limits and sampling methods
  • Sampling locations linked to upstream land use and discharge points
  • Ordinary kriging maps concentration patterns with interpolation uncertainty surfaces
  • Water Quality Index calculated from selected parameters and threshold values
  • Buffer analysis identifies monitoring stations exposed to nearby pressure sources
  • Pollution hotspots prioritised using concentration, persistence and receptor sensitivity

Participants can create screening-level flood-hazard maps from terrain and hydrological inputs.

  • Floodplain indicators derived from elevation, slope and proximity to channels
  • HAND analysis estimates relative height above nearest drainage
  • Design flows assigned to reaches using frequency-analysis results
  • Inundation extents mapped from water levels and terrain surfaces
  • Flood-depth classes symbolised using clear thresholds and uncertainty notes
  • Hazard maps distinguish riverine, pluvial and coastal flooding mechanisms

Participants can combine hazard, exposure and vulnerability information into risk priorities.

  • Exposure layers compiled for population, buildings, roads and critical facilities
  • Dasymetric mapping improves population estimates within flood-prone settlement areas
  • Vulnerability indicators weighted using documented multi-criteria decision analysis
  • Risk matrices combine likelihood, consequence and confidence in available evidence
  • Critical infrastructure access assessed through flooded road-network scenarios
  • Priority areas ranked using transparent criteria and sensitivity testing

Participants can prepare GIS-derived inputs for rainfall-runoff modelling and assess results.

  • HEC-HMS basin models structured from sub-catchments, reaches and junctions
  • Curve Number values assigned from soils, land cover and antecedent conditions
  • Time of concentration estimated using catchment length, slope and velocity
  • Design storms created from intensity-duration-frequency data and temporal distributions
  • Model calibration compares simulated hydrographs with observed streamflow records
  • Sensitivity analysis identifies parameters most affecting peak-flow estimates

Participants can analyse water infrastructure condition, service areas and spatial risks.

  • Water assets inventoried with location, condition, capacity and ownership attributes
  • Network tracing identifies upstream dependencies and downstream service areas
  • Service-area analysis estimates populations served by water points
  • Pipe and channel crossings screened against erosion and flood hazards
  • Asset criticality ranked using consequence, redundancy and failure likelihood
  • Maintenance priorities mapped from inspection records and accessibility constraints

Participants can assess irrigation demand, scheme performance and agricultural water pressures.

  • Crop-water requirements estimated using FAO-56 reference evapotranspiration methods
  • Irrigated area mapped from seasonal vegetation signatures and field boundaries
  • Canal command areas delineated from infrastructure, terrain and intake locations
  • Water-demand scenarios compared across crops, seasons and efficiency assumptions
  • Potential evapotranspiration surfaces interpreted alongside rainfall and soil-moisture data
  • Tail-end service risks identified from distance, elevation and canal condition

Participants can communicate water-resources findings through clear maps, reports and briefings.

  • Map purpose defines audience, scale, projection, extent and required precision
  • Symbology applies visual hierarchy, colour conventions and accessible contrast
  • Classification methods selected for hydrological values, risks and monitoring results
  • Map layouts include sources, dates, north arrow, scale and limitations
  • Technical findings converted into decision statements, options and recommended actions
  • Uncertainty communicated through confidence classes, caveats and data-quality notes

Participants can document repeatable GIS workflows and manage water-data responsibilities.

  • Geoprocessing models document inputs, parameters, outputs and processing sequence
  • File naming conventions distinguish raw, processed, draft and approved datasets
  • Version control procedures protect authoritative layers and approved map products
  • Data-sharing agreements define ownership, access rights and update responsibilities
  • Quality assurance checklists applied before publication or regulatory submission
  • Workflow documentation supports peer review, handover and periodic updates

Participants can build, review and present a complete GIS water-resources assessment for a defined catchment or service area.

  • Project scope defines decision question, study boundary, users and deliverables
  • Source data assembled with metadata, permissions and quality-assessment records
  • Catchment, rainfall, land-cover and monitoring analyses integrated into findings
  • Hazard, exposure and water-resource priorities mapped using documented assumptions
  • Peer review tests methods, map clarity, limitations and recommendation traceability
  • Executive presentation communicates evidence, priorities, actions and next data needs

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

What you take back to work

  1. Water-resources geodatabase schema and metadata template
  2. Catchment delineation and terrain-processing workflow
  3. Rainfall, streamflow and groundwater analysis workbook
  4. Remote-sensing land-cover and surface-water mapping model
  5. Flood hazard, exposure and risk assessment map set
  6. Documented integrated water-resources GIS assessment

Who should attend

  • Water Resources Engineer — needs spatial evidence for catchment, supply and infrastructure decisions
  • Hydrologist — needs repeatable GIS workflows for terrain, rainfall and runoff analysis
  • GIS Analyst — needs water-domain methods beyond general mapping and data management
  • Environmental Specialist — needs to assess catchment pressures, water quality and compliance risks
  • Flood Risk Officer — needs to map hazards, exposed assets and priority mitigation areas
  • Irrigation or Agricultural Water Officer — needs spatial analysis for demand, land use and scheme planning

Skills and tools covered

Hydrological GIS analysisWatershed delineationRemote sensing classificationFlood risk mappingWater quality mappingSpatial data quality

Tools and standards

QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, HEC-HMS, Google Earth Engine

How the course runs

Training methodology

The course uses short instructor briefings followed by guided analysis in GIS and hydrology software. Participants work with realistic rainfall, terrain, river, groundwater, land-cover, water-quality and infrastructure datasets. Individual and group tasks cover data preparation, watershed processing, image interpretation, flood mapping and model-input development. Facilitated reviews compare assumptions, data quality and map design choices. Participants progressively assemble a water-resources assessment, then complete an application plan for transferring the methods to their own catchment, utility, programme or project.

Requirements and prerequisites

Participants should be comfortable using a desktop computer, managing files and interpreting basic maps, tables and charts. Prior exposure to GIS software, engineering drawings, environmental monitoring data or water-resource work is helpful. The course assumes familiarity with basic hydrology terms such as catchment, rainfall, discharge and groundwater, but these concepts are refreshed where required. Participants do not need programming experience, advanced statistics, prior remote-sensing training or previous use of hydrological models. Those new to GIS should expect additional practice time between sessions.

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 be comfortable with basic maps, tables and computer file management. Previous GIS or water-resources experience is useful, but programming, advanced statistics and prior hydrological modelling are not required.

Bring a laptop if attending classroom delivery, unless the training venue confirms workstations are provided. Participants may also bring non-sensitive sample datasets, maps or current project questions for discussion.

It is intended for water engineers, hydrologists, GIS analysts, environmental specialists, flood-risk staff and irrigation professionals. It is also suitable for managers who need to review spatial water studies, provided they are willing to work directly with GIS datasets.

General GIS courses focus on mapping, data management and broad spatial analysis. This course applies those methods to watershed delineation, hydrological data, groundwater, water quality, flood risk, irrigation and water-infrastructure decisions.

Participants can adapt the workflows to catchment assessments, flood studies, reservoir monitoring, groundwater mapping, water-quality investigations and infrastructure planning. The capstone structure provides a documented model for initiating a similar project at work.

Training runs from 08:30 to 16:30 each day, providing about 6.5 contact hours daily. The first week establishes data, terrain, catchment, monitoring and imagery workflows; the second week focuses on risk analysis, modelling, reporting, governance and the final integrated assessment.

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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