GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIAL SCIENCE

GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIAL SCIENCE

Certificate Course on Applications of Geospatial Technology in Social Science (CGTSS 2026)

Social science practice in the digital era increasingly relies on evidence-based planning, data-driven decision-making, and technology-enabled interventions. Geospatial technologies provide powerful tools for understanding the spatial dimensions of social issues, mapping community resources, analyzing inequalities, assessing service accessibility, monitoring development programs, and supporting informed policy decisions.

The Certificate Course on Applications of Geospatial Technology in Social Science (CGTSS 2026) is jointly proposed by the School of Digital Sciences (SoDS) and the Social Engagement Centre (SEC) of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (Digital University Kerala) and offered through the Centre for Executive Education and Continuing Studies (CEECS).

The program comprises 90 hours of blended learning, integrating expert lectures, demonstrations, hands-on laboratory sessions, case-based practical sessions, field-oriented data collection, and a capstone GIS project. Participants will gain practical experience in using open-source tools such as QGIS and Open Data Kit (ODK) for spatial data collection, visualization, thematic mapping, and geospatial analysis.

The course explores the application of geospatial technologies across diverse domains, including community development, public health, child protection, gender justice, environmental planning, governance, and social policy. It aims to equip learners with relevant geospatial competencies to strengthen social science research, community interventions, development planning, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate in Applications of Geospatial Technology in Social Science, awarded by the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (Digital University Kerala) through CEECS.

The course provides an opportunity for learners to develop interdisciplinary knowledge and explore the application of geospatial technology in various social science domains, including:

  • Social Science Research: Apply spatial data and mapping techniques to understand social patterns, inequalities, and regional variations.
  • Community Development: Identify community needs, assess local resources, and support evidence-based development planning.
  •  Public Policy and Governance: Use geospatial information to support planning, decision-making, and public service delivery.
  • Urban and Rural Planning: Analyze population distribution, infrastructure, housing, and access to essential services.
  • Public Health and Social Welfare: Examine the geographical distribution of health facilities, welfare services, and community support systems.
  • Development Sector and CSR Initiatives: Apply spatial information to project planning, needs assessment, monitoring, and impact evaluation.

Duration: 5 Months

Mode of Delivery: Hybrid (Blended: Lecture + Practicals)

Maximum Intake: 30 Participants

Medium: English

Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree in any Social Science discipline from a recognized university.

 Preference will be given to candidates from Social Work, Sociology, Development Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Public Health, Economics, Planning, and other allied social science disciplines.

Working professionals employed in government departments, NGOs, CSR organizations, research institutions, local self-government bodies, development agencies, and other organizations engaged in social development, planning, or community-based initiatives are strongly encouraged to apply.

Laptop Requirement

Participants are required to bring their own laptops for hands-on laboratory sessions, practical exercises, geospatial data analysis, and project work throughout the program.

 

Fee Particulars

Students and Research Scholars

Working Professionals

Total Course Fee (inclusive of GST)

₹17,000

₹22,000

Application Fee (non-refundable)

₹1,000

₹1,000

Payment Schedule

For Students and Research Scholars

Application Fee: ₹1,000, payable upon submission of the application. A payment link will be shared upon successful submission of the application.

Admission Fee: ₹8,000, payable at the time of admission.

Final Installment: ₹8,000, payable before the final evaluation.

For Working Professionals

Application Fee: ₹1,000/-, payable after submitting the application. A payment link will be shared upon successful submission of the application.

Admission Fee: ₹10,500, payable at the time of admission

Final Installment: ₹10,500, payable before the final evaluation.

Fee Includes

Course materials

Hands-on practical session

 Certification upon successful completion of the program

The Certificate Course on Applications of Geospatial Technology in Social Science (CGTSS) is structured as a 90-hour certificate program delivered through a blended learning approach comprising lectures, demonstrations, hands-on laboratory sessions, case-based Practicals, field-oriented data collection, and a capstone project. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with more than 60% of the instructional time dedicated to practical exercises, GIS laboratories, case studies, and project work, enabling participants to develop job-ready geospatial competencies.

Module

Title

Duration

Module 1

Introduction to GIS and Geospatial Thinking

10 hours

Module 2

Fundamentals of Spatial Data

10 hours

Module 3

Tools and Technologies: QGIS and ODK

10 hours

Module 4

Spatial Analysis for Social Work Practice

20 hours

Module 5

Applications of GIS in Social Science

20 hours

Module 6

Case-Based Practicals

10 hours

Module 7

Advanced Mapping for Social Analysis

10 hours

Total

90 Hours