2-Year Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Course Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters, including holidays and attachment) Course Fee: 30,000 Kenyan Shillings per semester Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day Course Overview: This diploma program focuses on the principles and applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It prepares students for careers in spatial data management, environmental planning, and geospatial analysis.

Year 1

Semester 1: Introduction to GIS Week 1-4: Basics of GIS

Overview of Geographical Information Systems
History and Evolution of GIS
GIS Software and Tools
Practical Exercises: Introduction to GIS software

Week 5-8: Spatial Data

Types of Spatial Data
Data Collection and Sources
Data Formats and Standards
Practical Exercises: Handling and converting spatial data

Week 9-12: Cartography and Map Design

Principles of Cartography
Map Projections and Coordinate Systems
Designing Effective Maps
Practical Exercises: Creating maps using GIS software

Week 13-16: Data Management

Managing GIS Data
Database Design and Management
Data Quality and Accuracy
Practical Exercises: Building and managing GIS databases

Semester 2: Advanced GIS Applications Week 1-4: Spatial Analysis

Introduction to Spatial Analysis
Techniques for Spatial Data Analysis
Analyzing Spatial Relationships
Practical Exercises: Performing spatial analysis

Week 5-8: Remote Sensing

Basics of Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing Data Sources
Image Processing Techniques
Practical Exercises: Analyzing remote sensing data

Week 9-12: GIS in Environmental Management

GIS Applications in Environmental Studies
Environmental Impact Assessment
Natural Resource Management
Practical Exercises: GIS projects in environmental management

Week 13-16: GIS Project Management

Planning and Implementing GIS Projects
GIS Project Lifecycle
Case Studies and Best Practices
Practical Exercises: Managing a GIS project

Year 2

Semester 3: Specialized GIS Topics Week 1-4: GIS for Urban Planning

GIS Applications in Urban Planning
Land Use and Zoning Analysis
Infrastructure Planning
Practical Exercises: Urban planning projects

Week 5-8: GIS and Public Health

GIS in Public Health Research
Disease Mapping and Analysis
Health Resource Allocation
Practical Exercises: Public health GIS projects

Week 9-12: Web GIS

Introduction to Web GIS
Web GIS Platforms and Technologies
Building and Deploying Web GIS Applications
Practical Exercises: Creating web-based GIS applications

Week 13-16: GIS for Disaster Management

GIS Applications in Disaster Management
Hazard and Risk Assessment
Emergency Response Planning
Practical Exercises: Disaster management GIS projects

Semester 4: Capstone Project and Industry Attachment Week 1-4: Capstone Project

Identifying a Real-World GIS Problem
Project Planning, Design, and Implementation
Presentation and Evaluation of Capstone Project
Final Assessment

Week 5-8: Industry Attachment

Hands-On Experience in GIS Roles
Applying Learned Skills in Real-World GIS Environments
Industry Networking and Professional Development

Week 9-12: Professional Development and Career Planning

Building a Professional Portfolio and Resume
Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation
Understanding Industry Certifications (e.g., GISP)

Week 13-16: Course Review and Final Exam

Comprehensive Review of All Topics Covered
Practice Projects and Final Assessments
Final Exam and Evaluation

Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)," certifying their expertise in GIS, spatial data management, and geospatial analysis. This certification prepares them for roles such as GIS Analyst, Environmental Planner, and Geospatial Technician.