As local authorities increasingly embrace digital data in decision making, the ability to effectively manage, analyse and visualise spatial data has become a critical capability. Through our Founds Academy, our very own Alana Gaughan has been working closely with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s (LCRCA) Active Travel Team (ATT) to deliver a bespoke QGIS Fundamentals programme, helping officers build confidence in one of the world’s most powerful open-source Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
Delivered through a combination of online learning and in-person workshops, the programme has provided practical, hands-on experience that has enabled the LCRCA’s ATT participants to better understand the places, infrastructure and communities they serve. By combining technical training with real-world local authority applications, the programme has helped the team develop skills that can be immediately applied within their day-to-day roles.
Understanding the Power of Spatial Data
Spatial data plays an increasingly important role in helping organisations make informed, data-driven decisions. By bringing together mapping, data management and spatial analysis, GIS provides a powerful way to understand the relationship between people, places and infrastructure.
The QGIS Fundamentals programme was developed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage, analyse and visualise spatial data effectively. Throughout the learning modules, attendees explored the fundamentals of GIS, data governance and management, map design, and spatial analysis techniques, gaining hands-on experience that can be applied across a wide range of public sector functions.
Through practical exercises, demonstrations and relative case studies using data from LCR, participants developed a deeper understanding of how GIS can support infrastructure planning, asset management, service improvement and collaborative working across local authorities.
Supporting Better Services Through GIS
One of the greatest strengths of QGIS is the breadth of applications it offers across local government.
In highways and transport, GIS can support road safety initiatives by identifying traffic-sensitive areas, analysing collision data, mapping diversion routes and understanding how infrastructure interacts with pedestrian spaces and school locations. We have used this effectively on some of our recent placemaking programmes.
The platform is equally valuable for asset management, providing a centralised view of drainage networks, street lighting, highways assets, ducting infrastructure and key public buildings. This enables organisations to maintain accurate records, improve visibility of assets and make better-informed investment decisions. Through some of our recent Highway TMC procurements, we have been able to remove the risk of poor asset data using structured data analysis.
QGIS also plays a significant role in active travel planning, helping teams design cycling and walking networks, identify priority intervention areas and manage Public Rights of Way – using overlays and open source data. When combined with environmental and land-use data, it can provide valuable insights into biodiversity initiatives, green spaces and placemaking projects.
Beyond traditional highways and planning functions, GIS can support operational services such as waste management through route optimisation, hotspot analysis and contractor performance monitoring. It also assists winter service operations by mapping gritting routes, confirming route optimisation, salt bin locations and operational response focus areas.
As local authorities continue to invest in digital infrastructure and sustainability programmes, GIS capabilities become even more valuable. Spatial analysis can be used to map fixed and mobile connectivity coverage, understand fibre network deployment, identify locations suitable for renewable energy technologies such as solar installations or air source heat pumps, and support sustainable drainage and environmental resilience projects.
Building Confidence Through Practical Learning
A key aspect of this programme with the LCRCA Active Travel Team has been ensuring that GIS feels accessible and relevant to participants, regardless of their previous experience with spatial data.
Reflecting on the programme, Alana Gaughan, our GIS Lead and Data Analyst, said:
“One of the most rewarding aspects of delivering this training has been seeing people recognise just how much value spatial data can bring to their everyday work. Whether it’s improving road safety, planning active travel infrastructure, managing assets or supporting sustainability initiatives, GIS provides a powerful way to visualise information and make better decisions. By building these skills within local authorities, we’re helping create the confidence and capability needed to embrace new technologies and unlock the full potential of data-driven decision-making.”
The combination of online and face-to-face delivery has enabled the Active Travel Team to learn collaboratively, ask questions in real time and explore real-world challenges that are directly relevant to their roles. This practical approach helps ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom and translates into meaningful outcomes for teams and communities.
“The training sessions were well designed and benefited all the team by increasing their QGIS skills and knowledge, which they can now implement in their daily work across the City Region.”
– LCRCA Active Travel Team
Creating a Lasting Legacy
This is the reason we launched the Founds Academy: to leave a lasting legacy long after the training has ended.
We believe the most successful organisations are those that invest in their people, creating the confidence, capability and curiosity needed to embrace new technologies and new ways of working. While projects may have defined end dates, the skills, knowledge and networks built through learning continue to generate value for years to come.
Through initiatives such as the QGIS Fundamentals programme with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, we are helping local authorities build in-house expertise that can be applied across transport, highways, planning and placemaking. By developing these capabilities from within, organisations are better equipped to make informed decisions, unlock insights from their data and confidently adopt the technologies that will shape the future of service delivery.
For us, success is not measured solely by the training delivered today, but by the impact it creates tomorrow. Our ambition is to foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation and collaboration that empowers local authorities to become more resilient, more data-driven and more prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
As technology continues to evolve, the need for skills development will only grow. Through the Founds Academy, we remain committed to helping organisations build the knowledge, confidence and capability required to meet that future head on, creating a legacy of learning, innovation and continuous improvement for the communities they serve.
