Available courses

Full title: Introduction to GIS for Population and Development Studies, using QGIS

An open online training programme from GRID3 – a learning pathway to using geospatial data and technologies for sustainable development.

  • Cost: free!
  • Time commitment:  approximately 20 hours
  • Format:  self-paced learning, with community support**
  • Certificates awarded upon completion of all programmed courses
  • Click here for programme information

**Access our discussion forums! Share your knowledge and learn from your peers.

Introduction aux SIG pour les études de population et de développement, à l'aide de QGIS

Un programme de formation en ligne ouvert de GRID3. Il s'agit d'une voie d'apprentissage pour utiliser les données et les technologies géospatiales pour le développement durable.
L'inscription à ce programme est maintenant OUVERTE. Cliquez ici pour vous inscrire

  • Coût : Gratuit!
  • Engagement de temps : environ 20 heures
  • Format : Apprentissage à son propre rythme, avec le soutien de la communauté*
  • Certificats délivrés à la fin de tous les cours programmés
  • Cliquez ici pour les informations sur le programme

*Rejoignez nos forums de discussion ! Partagez vos connaissances et apprenez de vos pairs.

This is an intermediate level training programme from GRID3. The programme is a learning pathway to using geospatial data and technologies to enhance microplanning procedures. The ultimate objective is to reach more people in need of immunisation or related health services.

***PROGRAMME ANNOUNCEMENT at 19 September 2023***

  • New enrolment on this programme has now closed
  • The programme is currently undergoing redevelopment
  • Self enrolment will begin again from 22 November 2023
  • Click here for programme information

This course takes a broad look at the geospatial sector. Using accessible and non-technical language it addresses the question "What is a GIS, and what can this technology do for me?"

Who is it for?
It provides an important foundation to those who intend to progress to the practical GIS courses. However, it is also suitable as a stand-alone course for anyone looking at the big picture, wanting to know the potential gains and risks of developing geospatial capabilities.

Pre-requisites : None, other than a keen interest in Geospatial
Estimated learning time : 45 minutes
For more information: full course description PDF

In this section the aim is to break out of GIS theory and focus on how the technology is applied; specifically, how it makes a positive impact in people's lives. This page is an expanding library of case studies for your reference. It doesn't contain practical exercises. Check back regularly for new stories and relevant links from the Data for Development community.

Who is it for?
Anyone with an interest in the sector. It is particularly relevant for those working in government administration or NGOs, especially in health, education, population (census) or regional/national infrastructure.

Pre-requisites : None

This course will introduce the QGIS user interface, getting you familiar with the main tools and functions, to get you going quickly with GIS!

Who is it for?
Newcomers to GIS or those who want to get familiar with QGIS software. It is relevant for those working in government administration or NGOs, especially in health, education, population (census) or regional/national infrastructure.

Pre-requisites : General IT skills and familiar with Excel/spreadsheets
Estimated learning time : 2 hours
For more information: full course description PDF

This course is about getting to grips with GIS Data! It encourages good practice in where to find it, how and where to store it, and documenting your work!

Who is it for?
Newcomers to GIS or those who want to develop good habits in data management, acknowledging that doing so is a critical step towards working effectively in GIS.

Pre-requisites : General IT skills
Estimated learning time
: 1.5 hours
More information: full course description PDF

This course is about understanding coordinate reference systems, including map projections, which are used in different countries and regions of the world. Understanding CRS is crucial for accurate positioning of spatial data.

Who is it for?
Newcomers to GIS or those who need to understand issues around coordinate systems, issues which can cause errors for the GIS user.

Pre-requisites : Basic understanding of QGIS user interface
Estimated learning time : 2 hours
More information: full course description PDF

A lot of the data that you will work with in GIS either starts, or can be transformed into table-based data. So it is important to get familiar with the various tools and windows within QGIS for working with this data type. This course will provide that.

Who is it for?
Although Skills taught in this course are applicable to GIS users in most sectors, it is especially relevant for those working in government administration or NGOs, in health, education, population (census) or regional/national infrastructure.

Pre-requisites : Foundation skills in QGIS (see Courses A001 to A005)
Estimated learning time : 2 hours
For more information: full course description PDF

Selections and queries are a set of techniques for sorting through a dataset, in order to isolate the records or features that you want to study. These are essential skills for a GIS user.

Who is it for?
Although Skills taught in this course are applicable to GIS users in most sectors, it is especially relevant for those working in government administration or NGOs, in health, education, population (census) or regional/national infrastructure.

Pre-requisites : Foundation skills in QGIS (see Courses A001 to A005)
Estimated learning time : 2 hours
More information: full course description PDF

Start creating features on your digital map! Study areas, catchment zones, travel routes, watercourses, locations of health posts or schools, or farms… Literally any geographic feature or phenomena! Get familiar with many different editing tools and techniques.

Who is it for?
Applicable to GIS users in most sectors, it is especially relevant for those working in government administration or NGOs, in health, education, population (census) or regional/national infrastructure.

Pre-requisites : Foundation skills in QGIS (see Courses A001 to B002)
Estimated learning time : 3 hours
More information: full course description PDF

Now that you have explored QGIS and you understand how to work with spatial data, it is time to share that data as a map with your audience. Remember that the power of GIS comes from being able to communicate complex geographic realities in terms that can be understood by a non-technical audience. Therefore, understanding how to create the map is fundamental!

Who is it for?
Applicable to all GIS users, in any sector. The course focuses on the mechanics of how to produce a standard GIS map.

Pre-requisites : Foundation skills in QGIS (see Courses A001 to A005)
Estimated learning time : 1.5 hours
More information: full course description PDF

This case study presents a range of data and GIS techniques to inform microplanning, i.e. local level planning procedures for health service provision.

Who is it for? This is an intermediate level GIS training course, intended for current users of QGIS software. The GIS skills and techniques covered in this training could apply to any sector or industry, however it is especially relevant to those working in the health sector in low- and middle-income countries.

Pre-requisites : Proficiency with core basic functions of QGIS and an understanding of spatial data.
Estimated learning time : 3 hours
For more information: full course description PDF

This case study looks at the process of batch producing multiple maps in QGIS – a set of functions known as Map Atlas. This process can deliver significant efficiencies when tasked with producing large volumes of maps. To illustrate the functionality, we continue with our microplanning use case, i.e. local level planning procedures for health service provision.

Who is it for? This is an intermediate level GIS training course, intended for current users of QGIS software. The GIS skills and techniques covered in this training could apply to any sector or industry, however it is especially relevant to those working in the health sector in low- and middle-income countries.

Pre-requisites : Proficiency with core basic functions of QGIS and an understanding of spatial data; it is recommended to complete our course on Basic Map Production (or have equivalent skills).
Estimated learning time : 2.5 hours

This section is currently in development. It will host a range of short video clips providing practical guidance on key procedures in GIS and related geospatial topics.

Videos are organised into broad topic categories 1 – 9, listed below. 

Note! Most categories are empty at this stage. New videos will be added shortly, and announced here on the learning platform.




Site announcements

New GRID3 Training MOOC, now available! - GIS support for microplanning in the health sector

by Graeme Hornby -

Dear colleagues,

The following training MOOC is now available for self-enrolment.

GIS support for microplanning in the health sector - using geospatial data and technologies to reach more people in need of health servicesfull details here

This is self-paced learning, with peer support via discussion forums and optional 'office hours'.

To enroll on the programme, click here. From this programme page you will need to self enroll on two content courses - instructions are provided.

We hope that you will join this training and you find it useful and productive.

Kind regards,

GRID3 Training Team