Geospatial Data Visualisation Using R Training Course

Participants can configure a reliable R project for geospatial data analysis and map production.

• R project structure separates source data, scripts, outputs and documentation
• Package installation, loading and version recording for reproducible workflows
• RStudio panes, scripts and notebooks used for spatial analysis tasks
• Objects, functions and pipes applied to readable data transformations
• File paths managed with project-relative references and portable code
• Session information captured to support review and rerunning

Participants can create, inspect and transform point, line and polygon data using sf.

• Simple Features geometry types represent points, lines, polygons and collections
• sf objects combine attribute tables with geometry columns and metadata
• Geometry inspection identifies feature counts, dimensions and bounding boxes
• Read vector files from GeoPackage, GeoJSON and shapefile formats
• Create point features from longitude and latitude attribute fields
• Write cleaned vector layers with documented formats and filenames

Participants can inspect, prepare and visualise continuous and categorical raster datasets.

• SpatRaster objects store gridded elevation, imagery and classified surfaces
• Raster resolution, extent, origin and cell values inspected systematically
• Bands and layers selected from multiband geospatial raster files
• Crop and mask rasters using areas of analytical interest
• Resample raster layers using nearest-neighbour and bilinear interpolation methods
• NoData values identified, recoded and excluded from map displays

Participants can select and apply coordinate reference systems appropriate to analytical and visual tasks.

• Geographic and projected coordinate systems distinguished through measurement properties
• EPSG codes inspected before combining layers from different sources
• Transform geometries with st_transform for a chosen mapping projection
• Equal-area projections selected for choropleth maps and area comparisons
• Conformal projections selected when local shape and direction matter
• Projection distortion assessed using extent, latitude and map purpose

Participants can acquire and document suitable geospatial datasets from common data sources.

• Open data portals assessed for licensing, lineage and update frequency
• Administrative boundaries sourced from official statistical and mapping agencies
• OpenStreetMap features queried for roads, facilities and service locations
• Satellite imagery metadata checked for acquisition date, cloud cover and resolution
• Tabular source data matched to geographic identifiers before mapping
• Data dictionaries document fields, units, codes and known limitations

Participants can diagnose and correct common geometry, attribute and topology problems.

• Invalid polygons detected with st_is_valid and repaired appropriately
• Duplicate features identified through identifiers, geometry and attribute comparison
• Topology errors checked for gaps, overlaps and disconnected boundaries
• Outlier coordinates inspected against expected geography and source records
• Attribute completeness profiled before symbolisation and spatial aggregation
• Quality notes record corrections, assumptions and unresolved data limitations

Participants can create map-ready indicators through joins, aggregation and spatial calculations.

• Attribute joins link statistical tables to administrative boundary features
• Spatial joins assign points to polygons using containment relationships
• Counts aggregated by district, grid cell and service catchment
• Rates standardised using population, area or exposure denominators
• Distances calculated between facilities, assets, events and demand locations
• Derived indicators documented with formulas, denominators and time periods

Participants can construct layered spatial graphics using ggplot2 principles and spatial geometries.

• ggplot2 layers separate data, geometry, scales, themes and annotations
• geom_sf maps vector features while preserving coordinate reference information
• Aesthetic mappings connect attributes to colour, size, shape and alpha
• Layer order manages basemaps, polygons, lines, points and labels
• Coordinate limits focus maps without unintentionally removing source features
• Theme settings establish consistent typography, grids and panel treatment

Participants can select and build thematic maps for area values and point magnitudes.

• Choropleth maps display standardised rates rather than raw population counts
• Quantile, equal-interval and Jenks classifications compared for distributional effects
• Class breaks tested against skewness, outliers and analytical meaning
• Sequential, diverging and qualitative palettes matched to data semantics
• Proportional symbols represent totals where exact location remains meaningful
• Legend wording states units, periods, sources and classification methods

Participants can compose readable static map layouts with clear explanatory elements.

• Label hierarchy prioritises decision-relevant places, features and values
• Repelled labels reduce overlap using ggrepel placement controls
• Legends simplified through ordering, grouping and meaningful category names
• Scale bars and north arrows included only when map purpose requires
• Titles state the message rather than merely naming the dataset
• Captions record sources, dates, definitions and material limitations

Participants can compare multiple spatial variables without obscuring their relationships.

• Bivariate choropleths combine two variables using ordered colour matrices
• Small multiples compare geography, scenarios, groups and time periods
• Faceting maintains common scales for valid visual comparison
• Dot-density mapping represents distribution while protecting individual confidentiality
• Hexagonal grids reduce administrative-boundary bias in point pattern displays
• Multivariate symbols tested for legibility before stakeholder publication

Participants can visualise spatial change, movement and time-dependent patterns clearly.

• Time-series maps distinguish cumulative values from period-specific observations
• Animated maps used selectively when temporal sequence supports interpretation
• Small-multiple time panels preserve comparison across consistent spatial extents
• Origin-destination flows mapped with directional lines and weighted widths
• Flow aggregation reduces clutter while retaining material movement patterns
• Temporal metadata records observation windows, update cycles and lag effects

Participants can represent continuous raster surfaces with appropriate colour and terrain methods.

• Continuous rasters displayed using perceptually ordered colour gradients
• Histogram inspection informs value breaks, clipping and contrast adjustments
• Hillshade generated from elevation using azimuth and altitude parameters
• Slope and aspect layers derived for terrain interpretation
• Contour lines added at meaningful intervals without excessive visual density
• Raster transparency reveals contextual boundaries, roads and reference features

Participants can prepare and display multispectral imagery and derived remote-sensing products.

• True-colour composites assign red, green and blue spectral bands
• False-colour composites reveal vegetation, water and built surfaces
• NDVI calculated from near-infrared and red reflectance bands
• Raster stretching improves contrast using percentile-based display limits
• Clouds, shadows and atmospheric artefacts identified before interpretation
• Classification outputs visualised with legends reflecting class definitions

Participants can create interactive maps that support exploration without compromising clarity.

• Interactive layers provide controlled access to attributes and supporting evidence
• tmap modes produce static and interactive versions from shared code
• Leaflet tiles selected with attention to licensing and visual distraction
• Popup content presents key attributes using concise, formatted fields
• Layer controls organise overlays, basemaps and user-selectable categories
• Interactive legends, scales and bounds tested across common screen sizes

Participants can prepare map outputs for responsible online sharing and internal distribution.

• HTML widgets exported for browser-based sharing and internal portals
• Static PNG, PDF and SVG formats selected by publication requirement
• File size reduced through geometry simplification and raster resampling
• Location masking protects sensitive households, facilities and incident records
• Aggregation thresholds prevent disclosure through sparse-area visualisations
• Publication checks confirm licensing, attribution and data-use restrictions

Participants can design maps that communicate evidence clearly to diverse decision audiences.

• Colour palettes tested for common colour-vision deficiency conditions
• Text contrast, font size and hierarchy assessed for projected displays
• Alternative text describes map purpose, patterns and material limitations
• Annotations explain outliers, boundaries and notable spatial relationships
• Uncertainty communicated through ranges, hatching, transparency and caveats
• Map narratives separate observed evidence from interpretation and recommendation

Participants can create auditable map-production workflows with documented quality controls.

• Quarto documents combine code, narrative, outputs and reproducibility records
• Parameterized reports generate repeated maps for regions and reporting periods
• Functions standardise recurring map themes, scales and export settings
• Code comments explain assumptions, transformations and non-obvious design choices
• Map quality checklist verifies data, projection, labels, legend and sources
• Peer review identifies interpretation risks before formal map release

Participants can plan spatial products that answer a defined operational or policy question.

• Problem statements identify users, decisions, constraints and required spatial evidence
• Map specifications define layers, indicators, projection, scale and output format
• Story structure connects context, evidence, finding and recommended action
• Alternative designs compared against clarity, effort and stakeholder needs
• Review criteria separate technical validity from communication effectiveness
• Production plans assign data ownership, refresh cycles and approval steps

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

• Capstone brief defines decision question, users, data and delivery format
• Source datasets prepared, documented and validated before visual construction
• Map design applies appropriate projections, encodings, scales and annotations
• R script produces static or interactive outputs through repeatable steps
• Peer review tests interpretability, accuracy, accessibility and stated conclusions
• Final presentation explains findings, limitations, recommendations and production choices