QGIS for Development Programmes Training Course

Participants can identify suitable spatial data types and sources for programme monitoring questions.

• Vector geometry types matched to facilities, boundaries, routes and households
• Raster data concepts for population surfaces, elevation and satellite imagery
• Attribute tables, unique identifiers and relational data structure principles
• Common Operational Datasets assessed for authority, currency and geographic coverage
• HDX data packages evaluated through metadata, licensing and source documentation
• Administrative boundary hierarchies aligned with programme reporting units

Participants can diagnose and correct coordinate reference system issues affecting programme datasets.

• Geographic versus projected coordinate systems selected for intended analysis
• EPSG codes identified from dataset metadata and layer properties
• On-the-fly projection distinguished from permanent layer reprojection
• Reprojecting layers into suitable local projected coordinate reference systems
• Datum transformation warnings investigated before combining multi-source spatial datasets
• Distance and area measurements verified using appropriate projected coordinates

Participants can create, edit and maintain vector datasets with controlled attributes and geometry.

• GeoPackage layers created for facilities, communities, interventions and boundaries
• Digitising rules applied using snapping, tracing and topology-aware editing
• Attribute forms configured with value maps, defaults and validation rules
• Geometry errors identified through validity checks and topology validation
• Multipart features, duplicate records and null geometries corrected systematically
• Edit histories and source documentation maintained for auditable programme datasets

Participants can integrate structured field-data exports into a QGIS monitoring project.

• KoboToolbox exports inspected for coordinates, repeat groups and submission identifiers
• GPS accuracy, collection methods and location consent fields reviewed
• CSV tables imported with correct delimiters, encoding and coordinate fields
• Field submissions joined to programme registers using stable unique identifiers
• Repeat-group records normalised before indicator calculation and spatial analysis
• Mobile data collection schemas designed around required map outputs

Participants can apply data quality checks and document datasets for defensible reuse.

• Completeness, validity, consistency, timeliness and uniqueness quality dimensions applied
• Range checks and domain checks performed through attribute table filters
• Outlier locations investigated using basemaps, boundaries and local knowledge
• Duplicate beneficiary and facility records identified with field matching methods
• Metadata records completed using source, date, scale, restrictions and custodian
• Quality issues logged with corrective actions and residual limitations

Participants can define and calculate spatial indicators linked to programme results frameworks.

• Indicator reference sheets translated into geographic numerator and denominator definitions
• Administrative aggregation matched to reporting periods and disaggregation requirements
• Coverage rates calculated from service records and population estimates
• Choropleth denominators checked before comparing areas of unequal population
• Disaggregated indicators mapped by sex, age group, disability or vulnerability
• Small-number suppression rules applied to sensitive monitoring results

Participants can use raster data to support population estimation and environmental context analysis.

• Raster resolution, extent, cell size and resampling methods interpreted
• Population rasters clipped and summarised within programme target areas
• Zonal statistics calculated for administrative units and service catchments
• Digital elevation models used to identify terrain and drainage constraints
• Raster symbology adjusted using classified, stretched and transparent renderers
• NoData values managed before calculations and visual interpretation

Participants can apply core geoprocessing methods to identify programme coverage and gaps.

• Buffer zones generated around facilities, water points and outreach sites
• Intersect operations used to identify target populations within service areas
• Clip, dissolve and merge tools applied to reporting boundary datasets
• Spatial overlays quantify interventions by district, ward and catchment
• Difference analysis identifies unserved settlements and excluded geographic areas
• Processing history retained to document analytical assumptions and parameter choices

Participants can connect programme records to geography through reliable table and spatial joins.

• Attribute joins configured using cleaned identifiers and documented cardinality
• One-to-many relationships assessed before joining service delivery records
• Spatial joins assign point records to administrative and programme polygons
• Points-in-polygon counts calculated for facilities, cases and beneficiaries
• Aggregated statistics checked against source tables and monitoring reports
• Join failures diagnosed through field types, nulls and unmatched records

Participants can design thematic maps that communicate programme evidence accurately and clearly.

• Map purpose, audience and decision question defined before symbol selection
• Classification methods compared using equal interval, quantile and natural breaks
• Sequential, diverging and categorical colour schemes matched to data meaning
• Proportional symbols and graduated symbols applied without misleading visual weight
• Labels prioritised using hierarchy, scale thresholds and conflict management
• Map uncertainty communicated through notes, hatching and qualified language

Participants can produce consistent map layouts and map series for programme reporting.

• Print layouts built with map frames, legends, scale bars and credits
• Layout grids and alignment tools create consistent reporting page structures
• Dynamic text inserts project metadata, dates and analytical caveats
• Atlas map series generated from administrative units or programme sites
• Export settings selected for print-quality PDF, PNG and SVG outputs
• Map review checklists verify interpretation, attribution, scale and accessibility

Participants can assess physical access to services using distance, travel-time and network methods.

• Euclidean distance surfaces distinguish straight-line proximity from actual access
• Road networks prepared with connected segments, travel speeds and restrictions
• Service area analysis estimates reachable populations within defined travel times
• Barriers such as rivers, seasonal roads and checkpoints documented explicitly
• Catchment assumptions tested against terrain, transport and local service patterns
• Accessibility findings translated into outreach, referral and site-selection decisions

Participants can manage sensitive spatial information using humanitarian data responsibility principles.

• Humanitarian data responsibility principles applied to collection, storage and publication
• Sensitive locations classified by protection risk and operational necessity
• Aggregation, displacement and masking methods reduce location disclosure risks
• Common Operational Datasets reconciled with partner boundaries and local names
• Situation maps distinguish verified information from preliminary operational reports
• Data-sharing protocols define recipients, permissions, retention and restrictions

Participants can compare spatial programme data across reporting periods and explain observed change.

• Baseline and follow-up datasets aligned using stable geographic identifiers
• Temporal fields structured for repeated monitoring and reporting cycles
• Before-and-after maps distinguish programme change from data collection changes
• Change matrices summarise status transitions across locations and time periods
• Trend charts linked to mapped areas through QGIS attribute-driven visualisation
• Methodological notes document comparability limits between monitoring rounds

Participants can build reusable QGIS processing models for recurring monitoring workflows.

• Processing Toolbox algorithms selected for repeatable data transformation tasks
• Graphical models connect inputs, parameters, intermediate outputs and final products
• Model variables expose reporting period, target area and indicator parameters
• Batch processing applies consistent operations across districts and datasets
• Named outputs and folder conventions support reproducible reporting cycles
• Model documentation records inputs, assumptions, dependencies and expected outputs

Participants can prepare secure, usable map products and handover materials for programme teams.

• Static map products selected for reports, briefings, posters and field teams
• GeoPackage packages prepared for offline sharing with complete layer dependencies
• Web map publishing requirements assessed for access control and sensitive data
• File naming conventions connect maps to reporting periods and approval status
• Version control procedures distinguish working datasets from approved reporting outputs
• Handover notes specify custodians, refresh schedules and quality assurance responsibilities

Participants can build, review and present a complete QGIS spatial monitoring product answering a defined programme decision question.

• Programme decision question converted into an analysis plan and map specification
• Source datasets assessed for suitability, restrictions, quality and required preparation
• QGIS project assembled with documented layers, indicators and processing steps
• Coverage or accessibility analysis completed using justified parameters and assumptions
• Decision-ready map layout produced with findings, caveats and data sources
• Peer review applies accuracy, ethics, usability and reproducibility criteria
• Presentation communicates recommended action, evidence limitations and update requirements