Geospatial Training for Urban Infrastructure & Transition

MASAE partnered with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to empower their staff with geospatial skills critical for addressing urban development and infrastructure challenges. This online training programme equipped non-technical teams with the tools to harness geospatial data, enabling smarter decision-making in projects worldwide.

Client

Agence Française de Développement (AFD)

Regions

Why This Matters

Cities and infrastructure are at the heart of sustainable development. By understanding how to analyse urban growth, natural resource distribution, and infrastructure needs through geospatial data, AFD teams can design more effective, evidence-based interventions for communities.

Our Approach

MASAE designed an accessible, hands-on curriculum to demystify geospatial technology:

  • Foundational Skills:
    Introduced free and proprietary datasets relevant to urban planning, environmental management, and infrastructure development.

  • Real-World Applications:
    Used case studies to show how geospatial tools can tackle challenges like optimising public transit, managing water resources, or tracking urban expansion.

  • Thematic Deep Dives:
    Focused sessions on AFD priorities, including natural resource analysis and urban transition strategies.

Key Training Components

  • Dataset Exploration: 
    From satellite imagery to open-source maps, learn which tools fit specific projects.

  • Practical Scenarios: 
    Practice turning data into actionable insights—no coding required.

  • Global Relevance: 
    Skills applicable to AFD’s work in cities and regions worldwide.

Results and Impact

  • Empowered Teams: 
    Non-technical staff gained confidence in using geospatial data to support projects.

  • Stronger Project Design: 
    Teams can now identify data-driven solutions for urban resilience and infrastructure planning.

  • Collaborative Learning: 
    Fostered cross-departmental knowledge sharing on geospatial best practices.

MASAE partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to address climate risks in some of Iraq’s most vulnerable regions. Using advanced mapping technology, we created detailed hazard maps to visualise climate threats—from droughts to extreme weather—in Ninewa, Anbar, Kirkuk, and the southern marshlands. The project also identified opportunities for private-sector collaboration to protect communities and ecosystems.

MASAE partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to address climate risks in some of Iraq’s most vulnerable regions. Using advanced mapping technology, we created detailed hazard maps to visualise climate threats—from droughts to extreme weather—in Ninewa, Anbar, Kirkuk, and the southern marshlands. The project also identified opportunities for private-sector collaboration to protect communities and ecosystems.