Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Workshop

Programme Overview

The GIS industry has been expanding worldwide lately. The tools required and applied within the field are becoming increasingly complex. Thus, the demand for professionals with advanced GIS skills and knowledge has been growing in response. This workshop explores advanced topics in QGIS, Grass GIS, and geospatial technology. The core focus is on spatial data analysis and visualization techniques. Participants will dive deeper into vector and raster data models, learn how to handle and store them in a geodatabase, and produce high-quality cartographic products and maps. If you are looking for advanced hands-on experience with geospatial analysis, this workshop is an ideal suit for your needs.

Delivered by Risalat Consultants International in Patras, Greece, it combines expert-led sessions, real cases and group work, so that participants can apply what they learn in their own institution.

The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability In

• Relational Database Management
• Database Design, Connections, Table Joins, and Spatial Joins
• POSTGRESQL and POSTGIS
• Fundamentals of Coordinate Systems; Datums
• Parameters in QGIS
• Handling POSTGIS in OpenGeo Suite
• Spatial Data Analysis Using Vector Data
• Geo-processing tools for vector analysis
• Digital strategy and transformation planning
• Data governance and data quality
• Data analysis and visualisation
• Cybersecurity basics and risk management

It is designed for GIS users and experts, geographers and Cartographers, geoscientists and others who want practical, current skills in digital government, data and technology.

The Growing Importance of Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS

Digital services, data and new technologies are changing how institutions work and how citizens are served. Done well, they make services faster, cheaper and more transparent; done badly, they waste money and expose data to risk.

Institutions need people who can plan digital change, manage data responsibly, protect systems and use evidence from data in decisions. These skills are now expected across all functions, not only in IT.

Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:

• Plan digital initiatives that solve real problems
• Manage data quality, protection and sharing
• Analyse data and present it clearly
• Manage cyber and technology risks
• Lead people through digital change

Strong digital government, data and technology systems help organisations:

• Deliver faster and more accessible services
• Make better use of data in decisions
• Protect systems and personal data
• Get value from technology investments

This Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS programme brings these elements together in a practical format, so that participants understand not only what good practice looks like but also how to introduce it in their own setting, with the people and resources they have.

Who Should Attend This Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training?

This programme is designed for:

• GIS users and experts
• Geographers and Cartographers
• Geoscientists
• Surveyors and Planners
• Data Analysts
• Professionals who make use of QGIS/Grass GIS in their job roles, both from the private and public sectors
• ICT managers and officers
• Digital transformation leads
• Data analysts and statisticians
• Information security officers
• Policy and planning officers
• Project and programme managers

The programme suits experienced professionals as well as those moving into new responsibilities. Groups that mix institutions and countries are encouraged, because participants learn a great deal from each other’s experience.

Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training, participants will be able to:

• Comprehend advanced concepts of QGIS and GRASS GIS, including the strengths and limitations of the two
• Perform complex spatial analysis relevant to engineering design, topography, geology, and hydrology
• Master advanced skills needed to obtain, import, manipulate, analyze, interpret, manage, and output spatial data
• Learn how to deal with possible difficulties that may arise in the execution of GIS projects
• Gain complex real-world experience with QGIS and Grass GIS
• Start developing own tools for facilitating work through the application of PYTHON programming
• Explain the main trends in digital government and data use
• Plan a digital initiative linked to service goals
• Apply data governance and quality principles
• Analyse and visualise data for decision makers

Each objective is practised during the programme through exercises, cases or group work, so that participants leave able to do it, not only to describe it.

Programme Contents and Structure

Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training Methodology

Advanced GIS Mapping/QGIS and Grass GIS Workshop builds upon delegates’ existing knowledge of QGIS and Grass GIS. Throughout the programme, the presenter shall utilize a number of proven adult-learning techniques with a core focus on honing practical skills. Series of presentations shall be supplemented by demos, hands-on computer sessions, brainstorming exercises, and group discussions.

The programme combines:

• Expert-led sessions on current practice
• Regional and international case studies
• Group work and practical exercises
• Simulations and role plays where relevant
• Discussion of participants' own challenges
• Peer learning across institutions and countries
• Practical tools and templates to take back to work
• Daily reflection and action planning

Before the programme, a short pre-assessment helps the facilitators understand each participant’s role and priorities, so that examples and exercises can be adjusted to the group. Each day ends with a short reflection in which participants note what they will apply at work.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training, participants will be able to:

• Plan digital initiatives linked to service goals
• Apply data governance and quality principles
• Analyse and present data clearly
• Manage cyber and technology risks
• Use AI and automation responsibly
• Lead digital change in their institution

Participants leave with a personal action plan and practical tools they can use in their institution from the first week back. Institutions that send several participants can use the programme to agree shared methods and templates across teams, which makes improvements easier to sustain.

Institutional Application of Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training

This programme supports organisations in strengthening:

• Digital strategy
• Data governance
• Data-driven decisions
• Cybersecurity
• Technology management

Participants return with practical tools to improve:

• Data inventories
• Dashboards
• Risk registers
• Technology procurement
• Change plans

The programme is built so that learning moves from the classroom into the institution. Participants work on their own processes and documents where possible, and leave with an action plan that their managers can review and support.

Regional Relevance & Application

Europe

European institutions apply digital government, data and technology within detailed regulatory frameworks and reform agendas. Participants from Europe can compare their practice with colleagues from other regions and test how established methods work under different conditions.

Africa

Across Africa, ministries, agencies and project teams working in digital government, data and technology increasingly operate alongside donor-financed programmes that expect clear systems and evidence. The programme helps participants adapt good practice to the institutions and resources they work with.

Middle East

In the Middle East, national development strategies and diversification plans place growing demands on digital government, data and technology. Participants explore how to build the capability these plans need inside public bodies and companies.

Asia

Institutions across Asia combine rapid growth with ambitious modernisation programmes. Participants from Asia can share their experience of scaling systems quickly and learn from approaches used elsewhere.

Pacific

Small island and Pacific states face particular constraints of size, distance and capacity. The programme highlights practical, proportionate approaches to digital government, data and technology that suit smaller institutions.

Holding the programme in Patras, Greece brings participants together away from their daily pressures, so they can compare how digital government, data and technology is handled in different settings. The same programme can also be delivered in-house for one institution, in its own country or online, with cases taken from its current work.

Host Country Profile – Greece

Programmes, Workshops, Exposures, Training Courses in Patras, Greece by Risalat Consultants International

Studying away from their own country gives participants time to focus, a fresh view of their own institution and the chance to build a network with colleagues from other countries.

The programme takes place at Astir Patras Hotel.

Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training Deliverables

Participants receive support before, during and after the programme, so that preparation, learning and follow-up form one continuous experience.

Before the Programme

• Participant Pre-Assessment
• Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Readiness Assessment
• Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Resource Pack
• Preparatory Reading Materials
• Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory
• Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
• Accommodation with Breakfast
• Welcome Networking Dinner

During the Programme

• Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
• Comprehensive Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS Training Manual
• Digital Maturity Checklist
• Data Inventory Template
• Dashboard Planning Template
• Technology Risk Register
• Practical Workshops & Simulations
• Group Discussions & Peer Learning
• Daily Lunch and Refreshments
• Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
• Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Programme

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Reference Materials
• Data Governance Self-Assessment
• Digital Project Review Checklist
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Programme Report

Institutions can also request a tailored in-house version of this programme, delivered at their premises or online. Request a proposal.

Common Challenges in Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS, And How This Training Helps

How can institutions plan digital initiatives that solve real problems?

The programme addresses this directly on the first day (Digital change and strategy), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions manage data quality, protection and sharing?

The programme addresses this directly on the second day (Data governance and quality), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions analyse data and present it clearly?

The programme addresses this directly on the third day (Data analysis and AI), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions manage cyber and technology risks?

The programme addresses this directly on the fourth day (Security and technology management), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions lead people through digital change?

The programme addresses this directly on the fifth day (Leading change and action planning), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the Advanced GIS Mapping, QGIS and Grass GIS programme take place?

It runs from 8 Mar 2027 to 13 Mar 2027, in Patras, Greece (Astir Patras Hotel). The registration deadline is shown at the top of this page.

Who should attend?

The programme is designed for GIS users and experts, geographers and Cartographers, geoscientists, surveyors and Planners, and others who want practical skills in digital government, data and technology.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Risalat Consultants International.

Can this programme be delivered for our institution only?

Yes. We can deliver a tailored in-house version at your premises, in another city or online, built around your own cases. Use the proposal request on this page.

Do I need prior experience in digital government, data and technology?

No specialist background is required beyond experience in a related role. A short pre-assessment helps the facilitators adapt the sessions to the group.

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