This course is in two sessions. It will focus on developing skills and a fundamental understanding of Geospatial data and the basic functionalities of QGIS. Each session begins with a presentation that introduces theoretical principles. This is followed by a guided practical exercise where these principles can be tested, applied, and developed.
The first session offers a theoretical introduction to the nature and properties of geospatial data, the notion of projection, and the QGIS platform. The session covers:
- Projections and Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS)
- The difference between vectors and rasters
- Working with layers in QGIS
- Changing projections and the pitfalls of neglecting CRS
- Importing vectors, rasters and delimited text layers
- Spreadsheets, .csv files and attributes/non-spatial data
- Saving and sharing geospatial data
The second session builds on the first and focuses on more complex geospatial processing methods by considering:
- Basic visualisation of geospatial data (2D and 3D)
- Georeferencing vectors
- Exporting and organising geospatial data
- Plugins and QGIS as open-source software
- Creating new data, attributes and layers using the QGIS Processing Toolbox
- Using the field calculator in QGIS
- The print composer and exporting maps
The course will ultimately develop a foundational understanding of Geospatial data and the basic use of QGIS through interactive participation in each session. This will help students acquire key skills to navigate the QGIS software, enabling attendees to confidently apply geospatial principles, or seek out new applications for their own and future research.
This is a beginner-friendly course. No previous knowledge on the topic is required/expected, and the trainer will cover the basics of the method.
- Reference systems (CRS), and the differences between vector and raster data.
- Confidently use QGIS to bring in, manage, and work with different types of geospatial datasets.
- Produce and share clear maps and geospatial outputs by applying both the theory and hands-on practice covered in the sessions.
By attending this course, you will become familiar with the following skills:
- Practical ability to use QGIS for visualising, processing, and exporting geospatial data.
- Confidence in applying the right CRS and managing layers to ensure accurate results.
