PARTICIPATORY - GIS DIVISION
(i) Capacity in GIS Technologies: ERMIS has developed a long term capacity in Environmental Information Systems by integrating spatial-based environmental planning and management tools with participatory learning and action methodologies towards supporting sustainable development in various sectors. The key spatial information management tools include: GIS, Global Positioning Systems Surveys, Remote Sensing, Participatory 3-Dimensional Modeling, web-mapping tools and customized mapping systems.
(ii) GIS 4 Community Development: ERMIS has facilitated several baselines surveys towards community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) and appraised numerous projects in such areas as Farming Systems in Bay and Bakool Regions of Somalia, CBNRM-SARDEP in Keiyo and Marakwet Districts, Sustainable Watershed Management in River Njoro Catchment, Multi-year Mapping Strategy among Batwa Indigenous Communities in Uganda.
(iii) Participatory GIS Tools: We have adapted Participatory-GIS tools and approaches for mapping of resources for collaborative planning and management of natural resources. Examples include: PGIS activities with the 4 key watersheds (Mau Forest Area, Cherangany, Mt Kenya, and Mt Elgon Areas).
d. Facilitation of Geo-referenced 3-Dimensional of Ecosystems such as Watershed, Forest and Agro-pastoral areas
e. Facilitation of GPS and Cyber Tracking surveys to natural and cultural landscape including watershed resources such as water catchments.
f. Participatory aerial photo-mapping for mapping of traditional ecological knowledge, innovations and practices
Based on participatory GIS experiences, ERMIS in collaboration with other International Organisations has development a tool kit the has been used to training communities, government and civil society in participatory mapping technologies.
(iv) Spatial Data infrastructure, Clearinghouses and Forums: We have designed and developed diverse geo-portals for sharing of spatial data, ideas, skills and approaches. Examples include: Geoportal: Mau Spatial Data Infrastructure and Clearinghouse (MauSDI)
(v) Multi-stakeholder Forums for Natural Resources Management – ERMIS has facilitated the establishment of “Communities of GIS Practice” e.g. Community Mapping Network for Eastern and Central Africa and Forum for Mau Conservation Approaches and Technologies “MauCAT Forum” and Eastern 
Africa Indigenous Communities Mapping Network
(vi) Leadership Development in Spatial Information Communication and Management: ERMIS has undertaken several training missions on Participatory-GIS with respect to Natural Resource Management Domains. To date we have trained over 1000 development practitioners from some leading organizations/institutions such as: Catholic Diocese of Nakuru Water Program - Nakuru, PACT-Kenya –Nairobi, SUMAWA Project –Egerton & Moi Universities, Northern Water Services Board, WRMA – Rift Valley Catchment Areas and Ewaso Nyiro North Catchment Area; Municipal Council of Kisumu, Ugunja Community Centre, Menengai Medical Research Institute, IFRA-South Africa, Uganda Ministry of Geology and Mines, ICRAF (CGIR –Uganda), Zambia Land Alliance, Ministry Local Authority –Tanzania. 
