Open-source Gis For Monitoring & Evaluation (qgis, Google Earth Engine) Training Course

Introduction

The Open-Source GIS for Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Training Course equips professionals with the essential skills to effectively apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the monitoring and evaluation of projects. Leveraging powerful open-source platforms such as QGIS and Google Earth Engine, participants will learn how to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data to enhance project monitoring, reporting, and decision-making. This training emphasizes the use of freely accessible GIS tools to make geospatial data more affordable, accessible, and impactful for M&E practitioners, offering them the flexibility to perform sophisticated spatial analysis without the need for costly proprietary software.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for professionals working in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Project Management, and Geospatial Analysis. It is designed for:

• M&E professionals looking to integrate GIS into their project monitoring frameworks.
• Project managers who want to use spatial data to track project progress and impact.
• GIS analysts and researchers who want to expand their knowledge in the application of GIS in M&E.
• Development professionals, NGOs, government agencies, and environmental organizations working with spatial data for decision-making and reporting.
• Anyone interested in leveraging open-source GIS tools like QGIS and Google Earth Engine for spatial analysis in M&E contexts.

Course Objectives

By the end of the Open-Source GIS for Monitoring & Evaluation Training Course, participants will:

• Master QGIS and Google Earth Engine: Gain proficiency in using open-source GIS tools for spatial data analysis and mapping.
• Enhance M&E Activities: Learn to integrate GIS and remote sensing data into M&E activities for better project monitoring and impact assessment.
• Understand Spatial Data Collection: Understand best practices in spatial data collection and how to manage geospatial data for M&E purposes.
• Visualize Data Effectively: Develop skills to visualize data through maps, charts, and other visual tools to communicate project outcomes clearly.
• Apply GIS to Project Monitoring: Understand how to use GIS for planning, monitoring, and evaluating various development projects.
• Conduct Spatial Analysis: Learn how to perform advanced spatial analysis and derive actionable insights to improve project results and effectiveness.
• Explore Open-Source Alternatives: Understand the advantages of using open-source GIS tools, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable data management in M&E projects.

This training course will empower participants to utilize open-source GIS tools to enhance their M&E efforts, improve spatial data management, and derive actionable insights to track project performance and drive better decision-making.

Duration

10 Days

Course content

Introduction to GIS and Its Role in M&E

• Understanding GIS in the context of Monitoring & Evaluation.
• Overview of spatial data and its relevance to project monitoring and impact assessment.
• Introduction to open-source GIS tools: QGIS and Google Earth Engine.

Getting Started with QGIS: Installation & Basic Tools

• Setting up QGIS for M&E applications.
• Navigating the QGIS interface: tools, menus, and functions.
• Importing and visualizing spatial data in QGIS.

Spatial Data Types and Formats in M&E

• Understanding raster and vector data.
• Introduction to spatial data formats: shapefiles, GeoJSON, KML, and more.
• Choosing the right data formats for monitoring & evaluation projects.

Data Collection and Management for M&E

• Best practices for collecting spatial data for M&E.
• Managing and organizing geospatial data in QGIS.
• Importing and integrating remote sensing data for M&E applications.

Google Earth Engine Overview and Setup

• Introduction to Google Earth Engine (GEE) and its capabilities for M&E.
• Setting up a Google Earth Engine account and interface.
• Importing and visualizing satellite imagery and other geospatial data in GEE.

Basic Spatial Analysis in QGIS

• Performing basic spatial analysis: buffering, overlay, and proximity analysis.
• Analyzing spatial patterns and relationships in M&E projects.
• Data querying and filtering techniques in QGIS.

Advanced Spatial Analysis in QGIS

• Conducting advanced analysis such as interpolation, network analysis, and spatial statistics.
• Using spatial analysis to assess project outcomes and impact.
• Geospatial modeling for predicting trends in M&E projects.

Using Google Earth Engine for Remote Sensing Analysis

• Analyzing satellite imagery for land cover and land use monitoring.
• Time-series analysis for tracking environmental changes and project impact.
• Leveraging GEE for large-scale spatial data analysis and visualization.

Creating Maps and Visualizing Spatial Data in QGIS

• Designing effective maps for project reports and presentations.
• Customizing map styles, symbology, and labels.
• Exporting and printing maps for reporting purposes.

Geospatial Data Integration for Monitoring and Evaluation

• Integrating various data sources for comprehensive spatial analysis.
• Combining field data, remote sensing, and survey results.
• Enhancing M&E insights through data integration.

Data Visualization and Reporting with QGIS and GEE

• Creating interactive maps and visualizations for M&E reporting.
• Visualizing trends and patterns in project progress.
• Sharing maps and spatial data outputs with stakeholders.

Geospatial Analysis for Project Monitoring

• Real-time monitoring using spatial data to track project activities.
• Assessing project performance through spatial analysis.
• Using geospatial data to evaluate project sustainability.

Quality Control and Data Accuracy in GIS for M&E

• Ensuring data quality and accuracy in GIS-based M&E systems.
• Techniques for validating and cleaning spatial data.
• Identifying and addressing data gaps in M&E systems.

Using GIS for Impact Assessment and Evaluation

• Evaluating the effectiveness of projects using GIS tools.
• Conducting impact analysis through spatial data analysis.
• Reporting M&E results based on GIS insights.

Best Practices and Future Trends in GIS for M&E

• Best practices in using GIS for Monitoring and Evaluation.
• Future trends in GIS and remote sensing for development projects.
• Exploring new technologies like machine learning and AI in geospatial data analysis for M&E.

This comprehensive course content provides a structured approach to learning how open-source GIS tools like QGIS and Google Earth Engine can be effectively used for Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E). Participants will develop the necessary skills to collect, analyze, visualize, and manage geospatial data for improved project monitoring, impact assessment, and reporting.

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.