30/04/2026
Field Visit to the Institut Géographique du Burkina (IGB): Exploring National Spatial Data Infrastructure in Practice.
On January 16, 2026, students of the batch 5 of WASCAL Master Research Program in Informatics for Climate Change (Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso) paid an educational visit to the Institut Géographique du Burkina (IGB) as part of the practical component of the course Spatial Data Infrastructure, taught by Dr. Bako Ferdinand.
This visit aimed to provide students with real-world exposure to the processes of geospatial data collection, management, production, and dissemination, while also highlighting the essential role of national mapping institutions in sustainable development and strategic planning.
A Key National Institution in Mapping and Geospatial Data
The IGB, created on April 2, 1976, is a Public Administrative Establishment responsible for the design, implementation, and monitoring of Burkina Faso’s national mapping policy. The institute plays a critical role in producing reliable geographic data to support national development programs, land management, security operations, infrastructure planning, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
Visit to the Database Department: Where Geographic Data Takes Shape
The first department visited was the Database Department, where geographic data is collected, structured, processed, and stored for further use. Students were introduced to the institute’s workflow for handling and managing large-scale spatial datasets.
The IGB produces maps at several scales, including:
• 1/500,000
• 1/200,000
• 1/100,000
• 1/50,000
• 1/10,000
The team explained that the smaller the scale denominator (e.g., 1/10,000), the more detailed and accurate the map becomes, enabling better decision-making and analysis.
Students also learned about the major technologies used in spatial data acquisition, such as:
• Drones;
• Airplanes;
• and other advanced surveying tools.
The session further highlighted the two main categories of maps produced:
• Topographic maps, which represent the Earth's surface in full detail (relief, roads, rivers, settlements, etc.)
• Thematic maps, which focus on specific indicators such as population density, vegetation, climate patterns, or socio-economic variables.
The visit continued with the Production Department, where the institute transforms processed geospatial data into practical cartographic products.
This department is responsible for:
• creating thematic maps;
• printing maps in different formats;
• and producing custom maps based on specific customer needs and institutional requests.
Students were able to observe the stages of map production, from design to final printing, and gained a deeper understanding of how mapping services respond to both public and private sector demands.
Sales Department: Making Maps Accessible to Users
The students also visited the Sales Department, managed by Madame Kaboré and her colleague. This unit serves as the interface between IGB and the general public.
Clients can:
• purchase already available maps,
• request specific thematic maps,
• or place orders for customized geographic products.
This exchange helped students understand how geographic data products are commercialized and distributed to meet the needs of ministries, businesses, researchers, and citizens.
Digital Innovation: Presentation of the SDG Monitoring Platform
One of the key highlights of the visit was a presentation led by the IT Manager, who introduced the students to IGB’s online geospatial platform dedicated to monitoring the evolution of Burkina Faso’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The platform, developed using ArcGIS Online, serves as an interactive hub where users can visualize indicators and track national progress across multiple SDG themes.
This digital tool is accessible to administrators, members, and users through the following website:
www.bfcors.net
The platform reflects IGB’s growing commitment to digital transformation and open geospatial services for development planning and policy monitoring.
A Valuable Learning Experience
The field visit to IGB was an enriching opportunity for WASCAL students to witness how concepts taught in the Spatial Data Infrastructure course are applied in real institutional settings. The excursion deepened students’ understanding of the importance of geospatial data in national planning, sustainable development, and decision-making processes.
Beyond learning, the visit also sparked strong interest among several students who expressed motivation to explore future research collaboration and potential internship opportunities with the institute.
This experience strengthened the connection between academic training and real-world professional practice, reinforcing the critical role of institutions like IGB in supporting Burkina Faso’s development agenda.
People Met During the Visit
• Dr. Bako Ferdinand – Course Lecturer
• Mr. Thiombiano – Manager of the farm where the station is located
• Dr. Meda – HPC Technician
• Justin Toe – Research Assistant in Artificial Intelligence (WASCAL Data Management Department)
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