3. Africa-BB-Maps | Subregional Basic GIS and Data Training in Botswana

Information

Date/Time: 25-29 May 2026

Location: Gaborone, Botswana.

Venue: TBD.

Registration link for the fellowship: Fundamentals of GIS and Data Management for Broadband Mapping – Botswana

Registration deadline: 5 April 2026

Registration link for the training: ITU Academy

Registration deadline:  01 May 2026

Description

This introductory course builds foundational competencies in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) using ArcGIS, within the context of national broadband mapping systems under the Africa-BB-Maps initiative.

Aligned with the TOR requirements, it prepares participants to develop core GIS skills and progress toward intermediate enterprise GIS training.

Based on the official Esri curricula Introduction to GIS Using ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro – Essential Workflows, the course provides a structured introduction to:

  • Core GIS concepts and spatial thinking for broadband infrastructure mapping
  • Spatial data models (vector and raster) and attribute data structures
  • Coordinate reference systems and projections used in national mapping
  • Essential ArcGIS Pro workflows, including data management, visualization, querying, and basic spatial analysis
  • Foundational data quality assurance and validation practices
  • Map production and reporting workflows for regulatory and planning purposes

Through guided hands-on exercises using broadband-related datasets (such as fibre routes, mobile coverage layers, infrastructure locations, and administrative boundaries), participants gain the practical skills needed to manage spatial data and produce reliable mapping output.

Who can participate?

The training is open to national technical focal points, GIS specialists, data management officers, and technical staff involved in broadband data collection, preparation, validation, and reporting from Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications or experience needed to participate in this training course: 

  • No prior GIS experience required 
  • Basic computer literacy 
  • Institutional role relevant to broadband mapping or data management 

Participants need to have completed by 30 March the following two self-paced courses:

  1. Introduction to broadband mapping
  2. Advanced broadband mapping

Selection criteria:  Nomination by the participating countries & relevance of role to national broadband mapping implementation 

Learning objectives

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

  • Identify and explain fundamental GIS concepts and spatial data structures. 
  • Navigate and manage projects within ArcGIS Pro. 
  • Organise and manage broadband-related spatial datasets. 
  • Create and edit spatial features and associated attribute data. 
  • Apply appropriate symbology and labelling techniques for professional map visualisation. 
  • Perform basic attribute queries and spatial selections. 
  • Integrate tabular broadband datasets using joins and relates. 
  • Design structured map layouts suitable for regulatory reporting. 
  • Interpret basic spatial analysis outputs in support of broadband planning decisions. 

Methodology

Instructor-led sessions combining structured presentations, live demonstrations, guided hands-on exercises, practical labs, and broadband-focused case studies. 

 The methodology emphasises experiential learning, with a minimum of 60% of training time dedicated to practical exercises in ArcGIS Pro.

Assessment and grading

Practical exercises and labs: 60%

Active participation and attendance: 40%

Total: 100% 

 A total score of 70% or higher is required to obtain the ITU certificate