Course Details

Integrating Mobile Data Capture with GIS Training Course: Using GPS data for field project insights

Introduction
As development projects increasingly rely on real-time field data to inform decisions, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrated with mobile data capture tools are transforming how fieldwork is conducted and monitored. From agriculture and health to infrastructure and environmental management, the ability to collect, analyze, and visualize geospatial data on-site significantly improves project efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness. This course bridges the gap between mobile technology and spatial analysis by equipping professionals with skills to gather GPS-enabled data and leverage GIS platforms for deeper field insights.

Integrating Mobile Data Capture with GIS Training Course is a practical, 10-day training designed to empower development professionals, researchers, and data managers with the tools to streamline data collection and spatial analysis. Participants will learn how to use mobile apps and GPS devices to capture real-time field data, synchronize it with GIS software, and produce maps and dashboards for monitoring, planning, and decision-making. The course blends hands-on field exercises with GIS mapping techniques to improve spatial awareness and project outcomes in diverse sectors.

Duration
10 Days

Target Audience
Field officers, M&E specialists, GIS technicians, project managers, surveyors, data analysts, environmental specialists, and anyone involved in field data collection, monitoring, and reporting.

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles of mobile data capture and GIS integration
• Learn to collect and manage GPS data using mobile devices
• Analyze spatial data using leading GIS tools and platforms
• Visualize field data through maps, layers, and dashboards
• Apply geospatial techniques for improved project planning and evaluation

Course Modules

1. Introduction to GIS and Mobile Data Capture

• Basics of GIS and geospatial technologies
• Role of GPS and mobile data in fieldwork
• Applications of GIS across sectors
• Challenges in traditional vs. digital data collection
• Overview of tools used in mobile-GIS integration

2. Mobile Data Collection Tools and Platforms

• Overview of popular mobile data collection apps (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, Survey123)
• Selecting the right tool for your project
• Installing and configuring mobile applications
• Form design and data types (text, location, multimedia)
• Online vs. offline data collection

3. GPS Fundamentals and Coordinate Systems

• Understanding GPS signals and devices
• Accuracy, precision, and geotagging
• Latitude, longitude, and UTM systems
• Waypoints, tracks, and routes
• GPS device and smartphone integration

4. Designing Field Surveys for Spatial Data

• Planning data collection campaigns
• Geospatial question design and skip logic
• Linking GPS coordinates to survey responses
• Pre-testing and piloting mobile forms
• Ethical considerations and informed consent

5. Synchronizing Field Data with GIS Software

• Importing GPS data into QGIS or ArcGIS
• Cleaning and structuring datasets
• Georeferencing and digitizing data
• Linking mobile forms to GIS layers
• Managing shapefiles and geo-databases

6. Mapping and Visualizing Field Data

• Creating thematic and analytical maps
• Overlaying data layers (roads, boundaries, infrastructure)
• Using symbology, labels, and legends
• Generating heatmaps and density visuals
• Exporting maps for presentations and reports

7. Real-Time Monitoring and Dashboards

• Live data sync and mobile dashboards
• Setting up data pipelines with cloud services
• Designing custom dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Google Data Studio)
• Tracking project KPIs spatially
• Sharing live data with stakeholders

8. Data Quality Assurance and Validation Techniques

• Ensuring data accuracy and completeness
• Managing duplicates and GPS errors
• Field verification techniques
• Creating data validation rules
• Standardizing field data collection procedures

9. Case Studies in Mobile-GIS Integration

• Successful use cases in agriculture, WASH, health, and infrastructure
• Lessons learned and best practices
• Challenges in different terrains and regions
• Impact of spatial data on decision-making
• Interactive review of participant case examples

10. Practical Sessions and Field Data Collection Exercise

• Designing and deploying a field survey
• Collecting GPS data in real-world conditions
• Importing and visualizing collected data in GIS
• Group analysis and presentations
• Action planning and course certification

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com