Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) & REMOTE SENSING

COURSE BACKGROUND

In an increasingly data-rich world, understanding and analyzing spatial information has become crucial across virtually all sectors, from environmental management and urban planning to public health and disaster response. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide powerful tools for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing geographically referenced data, while Remote Sensing (RS) offers the capability to acquire vast amounts of data about the Earth’s surface from a distance. The integration of these two technologies unlocks unparalleled insights into spatial patterns, trends, and relationships, enabling more informed decision-making for complex real-world problems.

ECAS Institute offers this “Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing” course to equip professionals and researchers with the fundamental concepts and practical skills to effectively utilize these powerful spatial technologies. This program will bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and hands-on application, enabling participants to collect, process, analyze, and visualize spatial data to address diverse challenges in their respective fields. Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, participants will gain the confidence to apply GIS and Remote Sensing for deeper spatial intelligence.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of GIS and Remote Sensing.
2. Explain different types of spatial data and their appropriate applications.
3. Acquire skills in georeferencing, projection, and coordinate systems.
4. Perform various spatial analysis operations (e.g., buffering, overlay, network analysis).
5. Process and interpret remotely sensed imagery for different environmental and urban applications.
6. Utilize GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) for data visualization, analysis, and map production.
7. Apply GIS and Remote Sensing techniques to solve real-world spatial problems.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience to effectively use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing for spatial data analysis and decision-making. You will learn to:

• Grasp the core concepts of GIS and Remote Sensing, including their history, applications, and relationship.
• Work with different types of spatial data, such as vector and raster data, and understand their attributes.
• Perform essential GIS operations, including data input, editing, georeferencing, and managing spatial databases.
• Conduct various spatial analyses, such as proximity analysis, overlay analysis, and statistical mapping.
• Process and interpret remotely sensed imagery, understanding different sensor types, resolutions, and image enhancement techniques.
• Create professional-quality maps that effectively communicate spatial information.
• Apply GIS and Remote Sensing skills to solve practical problems in fields like environmental monitoring, urban planning, resource management, and disaster assessment.
• Gain proficiency in using industry-standard GIS software.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a structured training course designed to provide comprehensive insights and practical skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. The program will combine theoretical explanations with extensive hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and practical application using industry-standard GIS software. The detailed program schedule, including specific session timings and learning activities, will be communicated upon registration.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is ideal for professionals, researchers, and students from diverse fields who need to understand, analyze, and manage spatial data. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Environmental scientists and managers
• Urban and regional planners
• Geographers and cartographers
• Conservationists and ecologists
• Civil engineers and land surveyors
• Public health professionals
• Disaster management specialists
• Researchers and academics in spatial disciplines
• Any professional whose work involves location-based data and analysis.

TRAINING MODULES

The course is structured to provide a logical progression from foundational concepts to advanced applications, integrating both GIS and Remote Sensing techniques:

No	Module	Details
1.	Introduction to GIS and Spatial Data Concepts	This module lays the groundwork by introducing the core concepts of GIS, its history, and the fundamental nature of spatial data. Key Topics: What is GIS and its applications? Components of a GIS Spatial vs. Non-spatial data Vector data models (points, lines, polygons) Raster data models (grids, pixels) Attribute tables and managing data Introduction to GIS software interface
2.	Coordinate Systems, Projections, and Georeferencing	This module covers the crucial concepts of how spatial data is located and represented on a map or globe, and how to align disparate data. Key Topics: Geographic vs. Projected Coordinate Systems Datums and Spheroids Common map projections and their properties (e.g., UTM, State Plane) Understanding distortion in maps Georeferencing unreferenced data (e.g., scanned maps)
3	GIS Data Input, Editing, and Management	This module provides hands-on skills for bringing data into GIS, maintaining its quality, and organizing spatial databases. Key Topics: Data acquisition methods (digitizing, importing, GPS data) Creating new spatial data Editing existing spatial features and attributes Building and managing geodatabases Data cleaning and topological rules
4.	Introduction to Remote Sensing Fundamentals	This module introduces the principles of remote sensing, how data is acquired, and different types of imagery. Key Topics: Electromagnetic spectrum and remote sensing principles Types of sensors and platforms (e.g., satellite, aerial, drone) Spatial, spectral, temporal, and radiometric resolution Introduction to different satellite missions (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel)
5.	Remote Sensing Image Processing and Interpretation	This module focuses on techniques for enhancing, correcting, and extracting information from remotely sensed images. Key Topics: Image pre-processing (e.g., atmospheric correction, radiometric calibration) Image enhancement techniques (e.g., contrast stretching, filtering) Vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI) Visual image interpretation and photo interpretation principles
6.	Spatial Analysis Techniques in GIS	This module covers the core analytical capabilities of GIS for understanding spatial relationships and patterns. Key Topics: Proximity analysis (buffer, nearest neighbor) Overlay analysis (intersect, union, erase) Network analysis (shortest path, service areas) Geoprocessing tools and workflows Spatial queries and selections
7.	Advanced Remote Sensing Applications & Classification	This module delves into more advanced techniques for extracting specific information from imagery, particularly land cover mapping. Key Topics: Image classification (unsupervised vs. supervised) Training data collection and signature file creation Accuracy assessment of classification Change detection analysis using multi-temporal imagery
8.	Cartography and Map Production	This module focuses on the principles of effective map design and production for communicating spatial information clearly. Key Topics: Elements of a good map (title, legend, scale bar, north arrow) Symbolization and color theory for maps Layout and design principles Exporting maps for various formats (print, web)
9.	Real-World Applications and Case Studies	This module integrates the learned concepts through practical examples and discussions of how GIS and RS are applied across different disciplines. Key Topics: Applications in environmental impact assessment GIS for urban planning and infrastructure management Remote sensing for natural resource inventory and monitoring Using spatial data for disaster risk reduction Emerging trends in GIS and Remote Sensing (e.g., Web GIS, Big Data)

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.