Course Details

Introduction to GIS for M&E Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E). Recognizing that location data offers powerful insights into project reach, service delivery, and impact disparities, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of spatial data concepts, mapping tools, and analytical techniques. Participants will gain deep insights into collecting, managing, visualizing, and analyzing geographic information, all crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of M&E, improving programmatic targeting, and communicating results with compelling maps. This course is ideal for M&E specialists, project managers, data analysts, and anyone involved in assessing programs with a spatial dimension.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in M&E, program implementation, and data management who want to incorporate spatial analysis into their work, including:

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists.
• Project and Program Managers (especially in health, agriculture, WASH, disaster response).
• Data Analysts and Researchers.
• Field Staff involved in data collection.
• NGO and Development Practitioners.

OBJECTIVES

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

• Understand the fundamental concepts of GIS and its relevance to M&E.
• Identify different types of spatial data and their sources for M&E.
• Perform basic GIS operations for mapping and data visualization.
• Analyze M&E data spatially to reveal patterns and disparities.
• Utilize GIS for improved project planning, monitoring, and reporting.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of GIS for M&E

• Define GIS and its core components (hardware, software, data, people, methods).
• Explore the purpose and benefits of integrating GIS into M&E processes.
• Understand key spatial concepts: coordinates, projections, scale, resolution.
• Discuss the types of questions GIS can help answer in M&E contexts.
• Examine real-world examples of GIS application in development and humanitarian M&E.

Module 2: Spatial Data Concepts

• Differentiate between vector data (points, lines, polygons) and raster data (grids, imagery).
• Understand attributes and how they link to spatial features.
• Explore common spatial data formats relevant to M&E (e.g., shapefiles, KML, GeoJSON).
• Discuss sources of spatial data for M&E (e.g., open-source data, satellite imagery, GPS).
• Learn about data quality considerations for spatial data.

Module 3: Introduction to GIS Software for M&E

• Understand the basic interface and functionalities of a common GIS software (e.g., QGIS - open source).
• Discuss how to add and manage different layers of spatial data.
• Explore tools for panning, zooming, and navigating maps.
• Examine basic customization of map appearance (symbology, labels).
• Learn about saving and exporting basic maps.

Module 4: Spatial Data Collection for M&E

• Understand the role of GPS devices and mobile data collection apps (e.g., KoBoCollect, ODK Collect) for collecting georeferenced data.
• Discuss best practices for planning field data collection with spatial components.
• Explore methods for integrating non-spatial M&E data with geographic locations.
• Examine the use of geotagged photos and videos for M&E evidence.
• Learn about converting tabular data into spatial points.

Module 5: Basic GIS Operations for M&E Mapping

• Understand how to join tabular M&E data to geographic features.
• Discuss creating simple thematic maps (e.g., showing indicator values by administrative area).
• Explore techniques for symbolizing M&E data effectively on maps.
• Examine creating simple labels and annotations for map clarity.
• Learn about preparing maps for reports and presentations.

Module 6: Spatial Analysis for M&E Insights

• Understand fundamental spatial analysis concepts (e.g., proximity, overlay, density).
• Discuss how to identify clusters, hot spots, and gaps in program reach.
• Explore techniques for analyzing accessibility to services based on location.
• Examine basic geoprocessing tools relevant to M&E (e.g., buffering, clipping).
• Learn about interpreting spatial patterns and trends in M&E data.

Module 7: Advanced Mapping and Visualization for M&E

• Explore advanced cartographic principles for creating impactful M&E maps.
• Discuss techniques for creating multi-layer maps to show relationships between variables.
• Understand the use of basemaps and imagery for contextualizing M&E data.
• Examine interactive web mapping tools and their potential for M&E dashboards.
• Learn about storytelling with maps to communicate M&E findings effectively.

Module 8: Integrating GIS into the M&E Cycle

• Understand how GIS can support each stage of the M&E cycle (planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting).
• Discuss the practical steps for integrating GIS into an organization's M&E system.
• Explore considerations for GIS data management, security, and sharing.
• Examine challenges and opportunities for scaling GIS use in M&E.
• Learn about fostering GIS capacity within M&E teams for sustainable application.

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