Geospatial Data Visualisation Training Course

Participants can assess vector, raster and tabular data for visualisation suitability.

• Vector feature classes compared through geometry, attributes and spatial relationships
• Raster grids interpreted through cell size, extent, bands and pixel values
• Attribute tables inspected for field types, nulls, duplicates and coded values
• Spatial joins connect administrative, asset and survey data to mapped features
• Geometry validation identifies invalid polygons, gaps, overlaps and multipart features
• Data dictionaries document source, date, accuracy, ownership and permitted use

Participants can select and document coordinate reference systems appropriate to a mapping task.

• Geographic and projected coordinate reference systems distinguished by measurement purpose
• Datum transformations assessed when combining layers from different source systems
• UTM zones selected for local distance, area and asset mapping
• Equal-area projections chosen for choropleths, density and regional comparison
• Web Mercator limitations explained for measurement and thematic interpretation
• Projection metadata recorded in map specifications and publication documentation

Participants can apply hierarchy, balance and visual variables to create readable map compositions.

• Visual hierarchy directs attention through size, contrast, position and weight
• Figure-ground relationships separate focal data from contextual reference features
• Bertin visual variables matched to nominal, ordinal and quantitative attributes
• Map balance managed through whitespace, alignment, grouping and visual anchors
• Scale-dependent design controls feature visibility across intended map scales
• Generalisation methods reduce clutter through selection, simplification and aggregation

Participants can create accessible map styles using appropriate colour and typographic systems.

• Sequential, diverging and qualitative schemes matched to data measurement levels
• ColourBrewer palettes selected for print, screen and colour-vision accessibility
• Luminance contrast tested between symbols, labels, basemaps and backgrounds
• Typography establishes label hierarchy through family, size, weight and spacing
• Halo, masking and placement rules improve labels over complex backgrounds
• Greyscale checks reveal maps dependent on colour alone for meaning

Participants can select and justify classification methods for thematic mapping.

• Choropleth maps normalise counts using rates, ratios and denominators
• Equal interval classification applied when fixed measurement ranges matter
• Quantile classes compared for ranked distributions and visual balance
• Jenks natural breaks evaluated against data distribution and interpretability
• Standard deviation classes communicate departure from mean performance values
• Class counts tested for pattern clarity without concealing meaningful variation
• Legend wording states units, time period, source and classification method

Participants can represent discrete events, networks and quantities without misleading scale effects.

• Proportional symbols encode magnitude using perceptually scaled circle areas
• Graduated symbol classes communicate ranges where exact comparison is secondary
• Point clustering reduces overlap in dense incident and customer datasets
• Line width, colour and casing distinguish routes, flows and network hierarchy
• Flow maps represent origin-destination movement with directional line symbols
• Symbol overlap assessed through transparency, displacement and scale thresholds

Participants can produce interpretable imagery displays from multispectral raster data.

• RGB band combinations reveal vegetation, water, built surfaces and burn scars
• Histogram stretching improves tonal separation using minimum-maximum and percent clip methods
• Standard deviation stretch highlights subtle variation in continuous raster surfaces
• NDVI outputs styled with meaningful thresholds and validated class labels
• Hillshade, slope and aspect combined for terrain interpretation and communication
• Resampling methods compared when preparing imagery for display and analysis
• Raster pyramids and overviews improve display performance for large imagery

Participants can create controlled map products in ArcGIS Pro using layers, symbology and layouts.

• ArcGIS Pro projects organise maps, scenes, layouts, geodatabases and connections
• Layer symbology configured through unique values, graduated colours and rule-based styles
• Definition queries isolate operational subsets without changing source datasets
• Map series automate page production for districts, branches and project areas
• Layout elements include legend, scale bar, north arrow, credits and locator map
• Style files preserve approved symbols, colours, labels and layout components

Participants can create reproducible map products in QGIS using project styles and print layouts.

• QGIS projects manage layer sources, groups, themes and coordinate settings
• Rule-based symbology applies conditional styles to operational feature categories
• Data-defined properties control symbol size, rotation, labels and transparency
• Virtual fields derive display values without altering original attribute tables
• Print Layout templates standardise map elements across repeated reporting products
• Atlas generation creates location-specific map pages from polygon index features

Participants can finish print and digital maps with clear labels and publication-ready layouts.

• Label priority rules protect critical names during automated placement
• Conflict detection resolves collisions between labels, symbols and boundaries
• Annotation conversion preserves essential placement for final publication maps
• Locator maps establish geographic orientation without duplicating thematic content
• Scale bars, grids and coordinate ticks selected for intended user tasks
• Export settings optimise PDF, PNG and SVG outputs for delivery channels

Participants can select and style basemaps that support rather than compete with thematic content.

• Basemap selection considers authority, update frequency, licensing and visual density
• Reference layers ranked by relevance, positional accuracy and audience familiarity
• Muted contextual styling protects thematic symbols from visual competition
• Scale ranges prevent local detail from cluttering regional map products
• OpenStreetMap data assessed for completeness, attribution and operational suitability
• Custom reference layers combine boundaries, roads, landmarks and operational zones

Participants can visualise temporal change and multiple variables without obscuring interpretation.

• Time-enabled layers animate incidents, observations and asset status changes
• Small multiples compare consistent geographic patterns across reporting periods
• Before-and-after maps control extent, scale, classes and symbol specifications
• Bivariate choropleths communicate two related indicators using matrix legends
• Dot density maps represent population, demand or exposure distributions
• Chart-map combinations connect spatial patterns with trend and category evidence

Participants can present common spatial analysis outputs with clear assumptions and limitations.

• Buffer zones communicate proximity assumptions around facilities, hazards and assets
• Kernel density surfaces display concentration patterns without implying exact boundaries
• Hot spot maps distinguish statistical significance from simple high values
• Service areas visualise travel-time access using documented network assumptions
• Suitability models present weighted criteria, constraints and scenario sensitivity
• Uncertainty notes identify incomplete coverage, temporal lag and positional error

Participants can publish interactive web maps designed for focused user tasks.

• Web map requirements define user tasks, devices, connectivity and access restrictions
• Feature pop-ups present essential attributes using aliases, formatting and media
• Filters and layer visibility controls reduce cognitive load for map users
• Bookmarks provide direct access to priority locations, themes and viewpoints
• Scale dependencies protect performance and prevent inappropriate feature interpretation
• Sharing settings distinguish private, group, organisational and public audiences

Participants can design dashboards that connect mapped conditions with operational indicators.

• Dashboard requirements identify decisions, indicators, thresholds and update frequency
• Indicator widgets display totals, rates, targets and comparison periods
• Selectors coordinate maps, charts and tables through filtered user interaction
• Serial charts reveal trends alongside mapped current operational status
• List and table widgets support exception review and field prioritisation
• Dashboard layouts prioritise alerts, geographic context and actionable detail

Participants can plan secure publication and maintenance of shared geospatial visualisation products.

• OGC WMS and WFS services distinguished by display and feature access
• Hosted feature layers prepared with field aliases, domains and editing controls
• Service metadata records ownership, update schedule, accuracy and usage conditions
• Role-based access controls restrict sensitive locations, beneficiaries and infrastructure details
• Publication workflows include approval, version control, archiving and retirement steps
• Performance checks assess service load, drawing speed and mobile usability

Participants can evaluate maps and web products against defined quality and usability criteria.

• Cartographic QA checklists test purpose, accuracy, legibility and accessibility
• Visual inspection identifies misleading symbols, hidden layers and cluttered legends
• Source attribution checks confirm licences, credits and required disclaimers
• Peer review records findings against audience tasks and decision requirements
• User acceptance criteria test common tasks, filters and information retrieval
• Revision logs document design changes, reviewer comments and approval decisions

Participants can establish a repeatable workflow for producing governed geospatial outputs.

• Production workflows sequence data intake, preparation, design, review and publication
• Map specifications define datasets, projection, scale, styles and output formats
• Naming conventions organise projects, layers, layouts, services and exports
• Update plans assign data custodians, refresh frequency and quality responsibilities
• Style governance maintains approved palettes, symbols, typography and templates
• Implementation roadmaps prioritise quick wins, dependencies, resources and review dates

Participants can build, review and present a complete geospatial visualisation product for a defined decision audience.

• Capstone brief defines decision question, audience, data scope and delivery format
• Spatial datasets prepared, documented and styled for the selected communication purpose
• Thematic or raster visualisation applies justified classification, projection and symbols
• Print layout or interactive product includes context, legends, metadata and attribution
• Quality review tests legibility, accessibility, accuracy, uncertainty and task completion
• Presentation explains design choices, findings, limitations and recommended follow-up actions