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Introduction to GIS and Mapping Training

Home GIS Courses Introduction to GIS and Mapping Training

Introduction

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a critical role in planning, decision-making, and spatial analysis across sectors such as humanitarian response, development planning, environmental management, urban planning, and business analytics. This Introduction to GIS and Mapping Training provides participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills to understand, use, and produce maps and basic spatial analyses.

The course combines theoretical concepts with hands-on practical sessions, enabling participants to confidently work with spatial data, create professional maps, and apply GIS tools to real-world problems.

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand fundamental GIS concepts and terminology
  2. Identify different types of spatial data and data sources
  3. Use GIS software to view, manage, and analyze spatial data
  4. Create clear and professional maps
  5. Perform basic spatial analysis
  6. Apply GIS to humanitarian, development, and planning contexts
  7. Interpret maps for decision-making
Important Dates
Classroom Training Calendar 2026
START DATEEND DATEREGISTRATION DEADLINECOURSE COSTClick to Apply.
Jan 19, 2026Jan 23, 2026Jan 14, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Feb 16, 2026Feb 20, 2026Feb 11, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Mar 9, 2026Mar 13, 2026Mar 4, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Apr 13, 2026Apr 17, 2026Apr 8, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
May 11, 2026May 15, 2026May 6, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
June 8, 2026June 12, 2026June 3, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
July 6, 2026July 10, 2026July 1, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Aug 3, 2026Aug 7, 2026July 28, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Sept 7, 2026Sept 11, 2026Sept 2, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Oct 5, 2026Oct 9, 2026Oct 1 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Nov 2, 2026Nov 6, 2026Oct 27, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Dec 7, 2026Dec 11, 2026Dec 2, 2026USD 1000 / KES 102,000Register
Online Training Calendar 2026
START DATEEND DATEREGISTRATION
DEADLINE		COURSE COSTClick to Apply.
Jan 12, 2026Jan 16, 2026Jan 7, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Feb 16, 2026Feb 20, 2026Feb 10, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Mar 23, 2026Mar 27, 2026Mar 17, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Apr 20, 2026Apr 24, 2026Apr 15, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
May 25, 2026May 29, 2026May 19, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
June 22, 2026June 26, 2026June 17, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
July 20, 2026July 24, 2026July 15, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Aug 24, 2026Aug 28, 2026Aug 19, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Sep 21, 2026Sep 25, 2026Sep 17, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Oct 19, 2026Oct 23, 2026Oct 14, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Nov 23, 2026Nov 27, 2026Nov 17, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
Dec 14, 2026Dec 18, 2026Dec 9, 2026USD 500 / KES 56,000Register
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Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to GIS Concepts and Spatial Data

  • What is GIS and why it matters
  • Components of a GIS (hardware, software, data, people, processes)
  • Spatial vs non-spatial data
  • Types of spatial data:
    • Vector data (points, lines, polygons)
    • Raster data (imagery, grids)
  • Coordinate systems and projections (basic concepts)
  • Overview of GIS applications across sectors

 

Day 2: GIS Software and Data Management

  • Introduction to GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS overview)
  • Navigating the GIS interface
  • Loading and viewing spatial data
  • Managing layers and attributes
  • Basic data editing
  • Data sources and data quality considerations
  • Practical exercise: exploring spatial datasets

 

Day 3: Mapping and Cartographic Principles

  • Principles of good map design
  • Map elements (title, legend, scale, north arrow)
  • Symbolization and labeling
  • Thematic mapping (choropleth, graduated symbols)
  • Map layouts and exporting maps
  • Practical exercise: creating a professional map

 

Day 4: Basic Spatial Analysis

  • Attribute queries and selections
  • Spatial queries and overlays
  • Buffering and proximity analysis
  • Introduction to raster analysis
  • Measuring distance and area
  • Practical exercise: basic spatial analysis

 

Day 5: GIS Applications, Integration & Project Work

  • GIS applications in:
    • Humanitarian response
    • Development planning
    • Environmental management
    • Urban and infrastructure planning
  • Integrating GIS with other tools (Excel, GPS, mobile data)
  • Introduction to web mapping and dashboards
  • Group project: GIS mapping assignment
  • Course review and next steps

 

Targeted Participants

This training is ideal for:

  • Beginners with no prior GIS experience
  • NGO and Humanitarian Program Staff
  • Government Officers and Planners
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Officers
  • Students and Researchers
  • Environmental and Urban Planning Professionals
  • Business and Data Analysts

 

Key Benefits to Participants

  • Strong foundation in GIS and mapping
  • Ability to create professional maps
  • Improved spatial thinking and analysis skills
  • Practical, hands-on experience
  • Confidence to apply GIS in the workplace

More Details

Training Approach

Our experienced instructors, who are seasoned experts in their respective fields, lead this course. It combines theoretical instruction with hands-on activities, group exercises, and real-world case studies. Participants also receive comprehensive training manuals and supplementary reference materials.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, all participants will be issued a certificate of completion at no extra cost.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organizational-specific needs.

Contact Us Now training@wise-gis.com

Group Discount

We offer 10% – 20% discount to groups of more than 5 participants.

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