In the complex and rapidly evolving world of electrical networks, a geospatial perspective is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide the essential tools to visualize, analyze, and manage the vast array of assets that make up a modern power grid. By leveraging the power of GIS, network planners can optimize infrastructure placement, model system performance, and make data-driven decisions that enhance reliability and efficiency. This course focuses on QGIS, a powerful, open-source platform, to equip professionals with the practical skills needed to transform their planning processes and build more intelligent and resilient electrical networks.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the application of QGIS for electrical network planning. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of everything from importing engineering data and creating digital network maps to performing advanced spatial analysis and conducting automated workflows. The course covers the full lifecycle of a planning project, from initial data acquisition to final network visualization and reporting. By focusing on hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, attendees will be equipped to tackle the geospatial challenges of grid modernization and contribute to the development of a smarter, more efficient, and future-ready electricity system.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Electrical Engineers and Technicians
• GIS Analysts and Specialists
• Distribution Network Planners
• Utility Asset Managers
• Power System Planners
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Urban Planners and Consultants
• IT and Data Management Professionals
• Students in Engineering and GIS
• Researchers in Energy

Objectives:

• Master the foundational principles of GIS for electrical utility applications.
• Learn to use the open-source QGIS software for network planning.
• Understand the core concepts of geospatial data management for electrical assets.
• Grasp the complexities of network visualization and map creation.
• Develop proficiency in performing spatial analysis for optimal network design.
• Explore best practices for integrating engineering data with GIS.
• Learn about robust approaches to creating and managing electrical network data models.
• Identify the critical data standards and interoperability issues.
• Develop skills in creating automated workflows for planning tasks.
• Formulate strategies for a data-driven approach to network planning.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of GIS for Utilities

• The role of GIS in electrical network management
• The business case for using GIS in utilities
• Overview of GIS software, with a focus on QGIS
• The difference between vector and raster data
• Key geospatial concepts: projections and coordinate systems

Module 2: Introduction to QGIS

• Navigating the QGIS interface
• Working with different data formats (e.g., shapefiles, GeoJSON)
• Basic map creation and styling
• Data import and export
• The QGIS plugin ecosystem

Module 3: Geospatial Data Management

• Creating and managing electrical network data
• Digitizing power lines, transformers, and other assets
• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• Attribute tables and data quality control
• Integrating engineering data into GIS

Module 4: Network Visualization and Symbology

• Creating professional-looking electrical network maps
• Using symbology to represent different asset types
• Labeling and annotation best practices
• Creating thematic maps (e.g., voltage levels)
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 5: Spatial Analysis for Planning

• Performing spatial queries and selections
• Proximity and buffer analysis
• Using geoprocessing tools for network analysis
• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Siting new substations and transmission lines

Module 6: Network Modeling and Analysis

• The concept of a network data model
• Creating a connected network dataset
• Performing network analysis (e.g., trace, pathfinding)
• The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Using GIS to support power flow analysis

Module 7: QGIS for Load Forecasting

• Using geospatial data to forecast load growth
• Integrating demographic and land use data
• The role of a "data story map"
• Spatially-explicit forecasting models
• Creating load density maps

Module 8: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

• Mapping and managing DERs (solar, wind)
• Analyzing hosting capacity of a network
• The impact of DERs on planning
• The role of a "data story map"
• GIS for DER interconnection studies

Module 9: QGIS Automation and Scripting

• Introduction to the QGIS Processing Toolbox
• Creating automated workflows with the Graphical Modeler
• Automating repetitive planning tasks
• The basics of Python scripting for QGIS
• The role of a program's theory of change

Module 10: Asset Management and Maintenance

• Using GIS for asset tracking and inventory
• The role of GIS in field data collection
• Planning and routing for maintenance crews
• The use of GIS for predictive maintenance
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI

Module 11: System Reliability and Outage Management

• Mapping and analyzing system reliability
• The use of GIS in outage management systems (OMS)
• Visualizing outage data in real time
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Planning for system resilience

Module 12: Data Integration and Interoperability

• The challenge of integrating different data sources
• Working with data from other systems (e.g., SCADA, ERP)
• Using APIs to connect QGIS to other platforms
• Data standards for electrical utilities
• Best practices for data governance

Module 13: Advanced Visualization

• Creating 3D scenes of electrical networks
• The use of QGIS for web mapping applications
• Creating compelling reports and dashboards
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Communicating planning results with GIS

Module 14: Case Studies

• Case study: GIS for a distribution network upgrade
• Case study: Using GIS for renewable energy integration
• Case study: Asset management in a utility
• Lessons learned from the field
• The future of GIS in the energy sector

Module 15: Policy and Regulation

• The role of GIS in regulatory reporting
• The use of geospatial data for policy analysis
• GIS for land use and environmental compliance
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Future regulations and their impact on planning

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.