GIS and Remote Sensing for Land Use Planning Training Course

Course Overview
Effective land use planning is essential for balancing competing demands on land and ensuring sustainable development. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) have revolutionized how land resources are mapped, monitored, and managed. This course equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to apply GIS and remote sensing technologies in analyzing land use patterns, evaluating land suitability, and supporting spatial decision-making processes.
Participants will learn to integrate geospatial data from satellite imagery, aerial surveys, and spatial databases to inform land allocation, zoning, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and resource planning. The course covers tools for land use/land cover classification, spatial modeling, change detection, and scenario analysis using platforms such as QGIS, ArcGIS, and Google Earth Engine.
Designed for planners, environmental professionals, and development practitioners, this course blends theory with real-world applications through hands-on exercises and case studies that emphasize participatory and data-driven land use planning.
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Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the principles of GIS and remote sensing in land use planning
•Analyze spatial data to assess land use trends and changes
•Conduct land suitability and zoning analysis using geospatial tools
•Apply image classification and change detection techniques
•Use geospatial data to support participatory and inclusive land use plans
•Develop maps and reports that guide policy, regulation, and development
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Target Audience
This course is designed for:
•Urban and regional planners
•Land surveyors and development control officers
•Environmental scientists and natural resource managers
•GIS and remote sensing professionals
•M&E specialists and researchers in land-related programs
•Government and NGO officers involved in land administration and spatial planning
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Training Methodology
•Expert-led sessions on GIS and RS concepts and tools
•Hands-on practice using real satellite imagery and spatial datasets
•Scenario-based analysis and participatory mapping exercises
•Guided use of GIS/RS software for modeling and visualization
•Group work to develop mock land use plans and spatial assessments
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Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
•Gain practical experience using GIS and remote sensing for land use analysis
•Develop maps and spatial models to inform land use decisions
•Apply spatial planning methods to real-world environmental and development issues
•Support participatory planning processes using geospatial data
•Produce actionable land use plans and recommendations for stakeholders.