UDL GIS Masterclass
GIS Made Easy – Learn to Map, Analyse, and Transform Urban Futures
14th-18th July, 2025
Introduction
The live 5-days GIS masterclass, offers a comprehensive introduction to spatial mapping and analysis for urban planning and design. Beginning with the fundamentals of QGIS (open-source software) interface navigation, each session focuses on a thematic domain—ranging from land use and zoning to mobility, environmental mapping, and demographic analysis. Participants will learn to visualize, analyse, and present spatial data through practical, hands-on exercises, enabling them to generate professional maps that support real-world planning, design, and policy applications.
What will you learn
01. GIS Fundamentals:
Essential skills to load, view, and interpret spatial datasets for urban planning.
02. Base Map Creation:
Techniques to digitize, edit, and manage land use, zoning, and infrastructure layers.
03. Thematic Mapping:
Visualizing demographic, environmental, & regulatory data via choropleths & overlays.
04. Spatial Analysis Tools:
Application of buffer, join, and interpolation tools for accessibility, equity, and risk mapping.
05. Map Composition:
Designing clear, presentation-ready maps with legends, scale bars, and annotations.
06. Efficient QGIS Workflows:
Using essential plugins, layer organization, and export functions to streamline GIS projects.
Session Breakup
Day 1: 14th July, 2025
QGIS Interface & Base Map Creation
Theme: Core GIS Skills for Urban Mapping
Get introduced to GIS, understand QGIS tools, and learn to load and style your first spatial datasets. Learn to work with shapefiles, base maps, and attribute tables to create your first urban boundary map.
Map Created:
Base map with administrative zones, key infrastructure, and labelled localities
Skills Covered:
Layer management, symbology, coordinate systems, use of multiple plugins
Day 2: 15th July, 2025
Land Use & Zoning Mapping
Theme: Visualizing Urban Form and Regulatory Frameworks
Explore how cities are structured through land use and zoning data. Learn to digitize parcels, georeference masterplans, and create overlays to visualize existing and proposed land use patterns.
Maps Created:
Land use classification map, zoning map with layer overlays
Skills Covered:
Categorized symbology, georeferencing, attribute joins, layer clipping
Day 3: 16th July, 2025
Mobility & Accessibility Mapping
Theme: Mapping Movement, Reach, and Transit Equity
Understand urban movement and access patterns using service buffers and network-based analysis. Create walkability and transit coverage maps to evaluate mobility equity across neighborhoods.
Maps Created:
500m transit catchments, walkability heatmaps, high-activity zones
Skills Covered:
Buffer analysis, heatmaps, spatial joins, accessibility gradients
Day 4: 17th July, 2025
Social Infrastructure, Environment & Green Mapping
Theme: Mapping Equity, Ecology, and Urban Risk
Map schools, hospitals, parks, and flood-prone zones to evaluate spatial equity and environmental risk. Use elevation models and green space data to visualize underserved and at-risk areas.
Maps Created:
Public service gaps, urban green cover, flood vulnerability map
Skills Covered:
DEM analysis, interpolation, NDVI mapping, contour generation
Day 5: 18th July, 2025
Demographic, Economic & Final Map Design
Data-Driven Thematic Mapping and Final Map Production
Bring your datasets together with demographic insights to produce powerful thematic maps. Learn map design principles and export high-quality outputs for academic or professional use.
Maps Created:
Population density map, literacy choropleth, final map layout
Skills Covered:
Graduated symbology, data joins, print layout design, chart creation
Course Benefits

Earn a Certificate
Earn a recognized certificate and add it to your portfolio.

Live and Interactive Learning
Clear doubts immediately during Live session and ask questions during Q&A sessions.

Develop In-Demand GIS Skills
Build practical expertise in spatial analysis, mapping, and urban data visualization.

Learn Multiple Spatial Techniques
Explore mapping methods for land use, mobility, infrastructure, environment, and demographics.

Access Curated Learning Resources
Get downloadable datasets, QGIS project files, and essential plugin recommendations.

Access to workshop Manual
Receive a workshop manual to guide you through each step, even after the sessions end.
Session Details
Who can Register
Students and professionals in Architecture, Urban Design, Regional Planning, Landscape, and Planning.
Session Duration
The Masterclass, including interactive Q&A sessions, runs for approximately 2.5 hours each day (12+ hours).
Language & Platform
Sessions will be conducted in English and hosted via Google Meet over five consecutive days.
Early Bird Registration
Register before: 24th June 2025
Registration Fees
- Domestic (India): 8,500 INR/ Participant
- International: 100 USD/ Participant
Regular registration
Last Date: 14th July 2025
Registration Fees
- Domestic (India): 10,000 INR/ Participant
- International: 120 USD/ Participant
Note:
- Use only a valid Gmail email id for registration
- No cancellation/refund request will be entertained after registration.
- Calculate the registration fee based on the currency exchange rate for international registration.
- Software glitches will not be entertained during the session, so please install them correctly.
- In case of partial payment, no registration will be considered, and no refunds will be issued.
- Our workshop graphics and content are always new and different, so previous attendees can register again.
- For further inquiries, contact us on Instagram @urbandesign.lab or via email at contact@urbandesignlab.in.
Early Bird Registration Ends in
Registration Form
We regret to inform you that the registration for our current masterclass has reached its capacity, and we are unable to accept any further registrations at this time. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to stay tuned for our upcoming masterclass, where we will be delighted to welcome new participants. Please keep an eye out for updates as we will announce the details of the new masterclass in the near future. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to your participation in our upcoming events.