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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are indispensable tools for water resource research, planning, and management. They enable the spatial analysis, visualisation, and integration of diverse datasets — from catchment boundaries and land use maps to flood extents, water quality monitoring points, and biodiversity distributions. Virtually every topic covered on the WRO involves a spatial dimension, making GIS a foundational capability that cuts across all areas of water science. The resources below provide access to GIS platforms, spatial data portals, and tools ranging from no-code web applications to advanced desktop and cloud-based environments.
No-Code & Web-Based GIS Tools
Earth Map (FAO / Google Earth Engine) — already on the page; worth adding the description: A user-friendly web platform built on Google Earth Engine that allows analysis of land, water, and climate data without requiring coding skills
Google Earth Engine — cloud-based platform for planetary-scale geospatial analysis using satellite imagery and other earth observation data
ArcGIS Online — Esri's web-based GIS platform for creating, sharing, and analysing spatial data and maps
QGIS — free and open-source desktop GIS software widely used in South African research and government institutions
Kepler.gl — open-source web tool for large-scale geospatial data visualisation
South Africa Specific Spatial Data
Chief Directorate: National Geo-spatial Information (NGI) — South Africa's national mapping authority, providing topographic maps, aerial imagery, and spatial datasets
SANSA Earth Observation — South African National Space Agency's earth observation data portal including satellite imagery over southern Africa
South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Data Portal — long-term environmental monitoring data with spatial components
SANBI Biodiversity GIS — spatial biodiversity data and maps for South Africa including ecosystem types, protected areas, and species distributions
Global Spatial Data Portals
UN Spatial Data Infrastructure — global geospatial data and standards from the United Nations
OpenStreetMap — free, editable global map useful as a base layer for water-related spatial analysis
Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) — open platform for sharing spatial and tabular humanitarian data including water and sanitation layers for Africa
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