NCRM Training: Introduction to QGIS

Missing Maps Day

If you’re looking for an Introduction to QGIS, this is the course for you. No previous experience of GIS or QGIS is required, we will be starting from scratch. We start by contributing to OpenStreetMap using a Missing Maps session. On day one we will introduce spatial data and provide step-by-step hands-on experience of how to create points, polylines and polygons online. We will demonstrate how to identify population, roads and tracks from aerial imagery to enable humanitarian organisations around the world to meet the needs of vulnerable people.

Day 2

Intro to QGIS (Vectors) Day

We will introduce projections and spatial data for beginners. We will show how to import and display spatial data with the free open source GIS program QGIS. We will show you how to create choropleth maps and explain appropriate methods of visualising spatial data. The course will explain what projections are and why they are important when drawing your map. We will cover some basic spatial data analysis (e.g. calculating rates). You will get the opportunity to learn about what makes a good map and how to send your map to print.

Day 3

Confident Spatial Analysis (Vectors) Day

Moving on from Introduction to QGIS we’ll be discovering how to use analytic tools with vector datasets. If you are looking to go beyond importing and displaying datasets then the Confident Spatial Analysis with Vector Datasets in QGIS course is for you. In this course we discuss how to use GIS to do vector analysis. We will be asking questions of the data in the map, manipulating and extracting knowledge from the data and solving problems using geospatial software.

We use practical examples to highlight how QGIS can be used for study and/or the workplace. We will bring together data from a range of sources and formats to study crimes and house prices in the UK. We will perform spatial overlay techniques such as clipping, classifying and performing point-in-polygon analysis to develop our understanding of how this data may be related.

Day 4

Support & Explore Day

Complete previous day’s tasks and the opportunity to get started with your own projects. Get support in searching for datasets relevant to your project and identifying useful open data depositories. Start working on your project with classroom support. Ask for feedback on existing projects. We’ll discuss licensing agreements and copyright issues.

The course covers:

• projections and why they are important
• use our MissingMaps session contribute to OpenStreetMap
• learn about points, lines and polygons
• be able to set up QGIS and add data

• understand adding coordinate data
• join tabular data to spatial data
• undertake calculations
• understanding how to classify data
• create a publication-ready map

• learn how to use different types of vector datasets
• import scanned maps into GIS
• understand how to aggregate points in an area
• use buffers and overlaps to perform analysis
• get support with your project

By the end of the course participants will:

End of Day 1

Learning outcomes |
· be able to set-up HoT map interface
· register with OpenStreetMap and gain points
· find out the difference between vector and raster datasets
· understand how to edit and classify data
· understand how to upload data to OpenStreetMap

Benefits |
· gain an understanding of GIS
· have an overview of humanitarian aid and why maps are important
· understand the principles behind GIS

End of Day 2

Learning outcomes
· be able to set up QGIS and add data
· understand adding coordinate data
· join tabular data to spatial data
· undertake calculations
· understanding how to classify data
· create a publication-ready map

Benefits
· understand the basics of map-making
· get an overview of projections and why they are important
· use knowledge in QGIS to increase employabilty skill set
· apply techniques and migrate data to other GIS platforms

End of Day 3

Learning outcomes
· understand how to use different types of vector datasets
· import scanned maps into your GIS
· understand how to aggregate points in an area
· use buffers and overlaps to perform analysis

Benefits
· understand more tools for map-making
· gain an overview of statistics to be able to analyse data
· increase employability skill set using QGIS knowledge
· apply techniques and migrate data to other GIS platforms

End of Day 4

Learning outcomes
· support with completing previous days’ tasks
· opportunity to start your own project
· know where to search for geospatial open data sets
· learn about licensing agreements and copyright issues

Benefits
· opportunity to use tools learnt on your own project
· seek advice from lecturer
· collaborate with peers
· able to ask for feedback on existing projects

This course contains:

Use of FREE OpenSource Software QGIS 3.2

Use of OpenDatasets

Most require little or no knowledge to start

Use real-life exercises which can be applied to field of study or workplace

Please download the latest most stable version of the software on to your own laptops to use before, during & after the course:

Our courses are workshop-based with the focus on a practical learning outcomes.

Target Audience

Anyone can start this course with minimal understanding of geography and spatial data. We welcome students, governmental researchers, community leaders, those in SMEs and corporations. Learn how to do more with your tabular datasets, combine with spatial data and improve your results with better maps.

Preparatory Reading

Learning QGIS: Create great maps and perform geoprocessing tasks with ease 3rd Revised edition Edition, Anita Graser

QGIS Map Design by Anita Graser & Gretchen N Peterson

The course will run from 10:00 to 16:00 each day, starting a little earlier on Day 1 for registration.