Course Modules:

Module 1: Spatial Data Types, Quality, and Sources

• Raster vs vector data
• Data resolution, scale, and accuracy
• Sources of spatial data (local, global, open-source)
  Exercise: Import and assess multiple spatial data layers in QGIS

Module 2: Geostatistical Analysis and Spatial Interpolation

• Spatial autocorrelation and Moran’s I
• Kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW)
• Visualizing spatial patterns
  Exercise: Apply interpolation to map urban heat islands

Module 3: Land Use Suitability Analysis

• Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)
• Weighting of spatial indicators
• Overlay analysis and ranking of zones
  Exercise: Create a suitability map for housing development

Module 4: Urban Growth Simulation and Predictive Modeling

• Urban cellular automata and land change models
• Scenario building for future urban expansion
• Integration with demographic and infrastructure data
  Exercise: Simulate urban expansion using a growth model plugin

Module 5: Communicating Spatial Analysis for Planning Decisions

• Designing effective map layouts and symbology
• Spatial reporting and stakeholder communication
• GIS dashboards and decision-support tools
  Workshop: Develop a planning report based on model results