In the modern development sector, the ability to track progress and understand change across large, often inaccessible areas is paramount for effective program management. This training course is designed to empower M&E professionals, researchers, and project managers to leverage the power of satellite imagery for development tracking. By moving beyond traditional, ground-based data collection, participants will learn how to use a continuous stream of objective, geospatial data to monitor development projects, assess environmental impact, and gain unprecedented insights into social and economic changes.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for sourcing, processing, and analyzing satellite data to inform development decisions. Participants will gain skills in everything from interpreting different types of satellite imagery to using machine learning to automate the detection of changes like urban expansion or deforestation. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to enhance the transparency and credibility of their M&E efforts, turning their projects into data-driven initiatives that can be verified and understood from anywhere in the world.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Program Managers
• GIS Specialists
• Data Analysts
• Urban Planners
• Researchers
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Environmental Scientists
• Government Officials
• Consultants

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of remote sensing and satellite imagery.
• Master the process of acquiring and processing satellite data.
• Learn how to interpret different types of satellite imagery for development tracking.
• Develop a framework for using time-series analysis to monitor change.
• Integrate satellite data with other M&E and GIS data sources.
• Ensure data quality, ethical considerations, and governance.
• Enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of development tracking.
• Communicate key insights from satellite data to stakeholders.
• Build a culture of data-driven, proactive project management.
• Apply satellite imagery to a wide range of development contexts.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Remote Sensing for Development

• The limitations of traditional monitoring
• Defining remote sensing and satellite imagery
• The business case for satellite imagery in M&E
• Key types of satellite sensors and platforms
• An overview of the satellite imagery workflow

Module 2: Foundational Concepts of Satellite Data

• Understanding the electromagnetic spectrum
• The difference between passive and active sensors
• The importance of spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution
• The role of different satellite orbits
• A review of key satellite missions (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel, Planet)

Module 3: Sourcing and Accessing Satellite Imagery

• Navigating public vs. commercial satellite data sources
• Using cloud-based platforms (e.g., Google Earth Engine, AWS)
• The importance of open-source data policies
• The process of requesting and acquiring imagery
• Strategies for cost-effective data acquisition

Module 4: Satellite Image Preprocessing

• The importance of radiometric correction
• Geometric correction and image georeferencing
• Handling atmospheric distortion and cloud cover
• The role of image enhancement techniques
• Practical labs on image preprocessing

Module 5: Interpreting Satellite Imagery

• Understanding color composites and spectral bands
• The role of a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
• Interpreting imagery for urban and rural development
• The use of imagery for disaster and conflict monitoring
• Identifying key features and patterns

Module 6: Change Detection and Time-Series Analysis

• The importance of a baseline and a post-intervention image
• Using statistical methods to identify change
• The role of time-series analysis in tracking long-term trends
• Detecting urban expansion, deforestation, and land-use change
• Practical labs on change detection

Module 7: Machine Learning for Development Tracking

• The use of supervised and unsupervised classification
• Building a model to classify land cover and land use
• The role of object detection for infrastructure and asset tracking
• Using AI to automate the analysis of large datasets
• Ethical considerations for AI in M&E

Module 8: Geospatial Analysis and Integration

• The importance of a Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Integrating satellite data with other M&E data sources
• Performing spatial queries and analysis
• The role of remote sensing in environmental modeling
• Creating maps and other geospatial visualizations

Module 9: Applications in Urban Development

• Using satellite imagery for slum mapping and informal settlements
• Monitoring urban growth and sprawl
• The role of satellite data in infrastructure planning
• Assessing the impact of urban projects on the environment
• Measuring population density and access to services

Module 10: Applications in Agriculture and Food Security

• Monitoring crop health and yield with satellite data
• The role of satellite imagery in precision agriculture
• Assessing the impact of drought and other climate events
• Using satellite data for food security early warning systems
• Tracking land-use change for agricultural development

Module 11: Applications in Environmental Monitoring

• The use of satellite imagery for deforestation monitoring
• Tracking water resources and water quality
• The role of satellite data in biodiversity conservation
• Assessing the impact of mining and other extractive industries
• Monitoring the progress of reforestation projects

Module 12: Applications in Disaster Response

• Using satellite imagery for pre-disaster planning
• Assessing damage after a disaster (e.g., floods, earthquakes)
• The role of satellite data in emergency response and relief
• Tracking population displacement and refugee movements
• Monitoring post-disaster recovery efforts

Module 13: CBM and Satellite Monitoring

• The potential of community-based monitoring with satellite data
• Training community members to interpret satellite imagery
• The importance of a participatory approach
• The role of satellite data in empowering communities
• Case studies on community-led remote sensing projects

Module 14: Practical Application and Simulation

• A hands-on simulation of a real-world project
• Participants work in teams to design and execute a monitoring plan
• Troubleshooting common challenges in data acquisition
• Processing and analyzing the collected data
• Peer review and feedback sessions on the process

Module 15: The Future of Remote Sensing

• The role of CubeSats and other small satellites
• The potential of real-time satellite imagery
• The use of large language models for geospatial analysis
• The rise of open-source and collaborative platforms
• The long-term implications for the sector

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.