Introduction to GIS Using ArcGIS and QGIS Training Course

Participants can configure project workspaces and identify the appropriate GIS environment for a task.

• ArcGIS Pro projects, catalog panes, maps and layouts configured
• QGIS projects, browser panel, layers panel and processing toolbox organised
• ArcGIS Online content, groups, web maps and sharing permissions reviewed
• Folder structures established for raw data, processing and final outputs
• Project-relative paths used to prevent broken data connections
• Interface conventions compared between ArcGIS Pro and QGIS

Participants can select, assign and transform coordinate reference systems for accurate spatial alignment.

• Geographic coordinates expressed using latitude, longitude and geographic datums
• Projected coordinate systems selected according to area, distance and direction
• EPSG codes used to identify recognised coordinate reference systems
• On-the-fly projection distinguished from permanent dataset reprojection
• Datum transformations selected when source and target datums differ
• Projection errors diagnosed through layer offsets and distorted measurements

Participants can assess spatial data sources and document fitness for a defined analytical purpose.

• Shapefile, GeoPackage, File Geodatabase and GeoJSON formats compared
• GeoTIFF, JPEG2000 and ASCII grid raster formats identified
• Authoritative boundary, census, elevation and imagery sources evaluated
• Metadata records capture lineage, scale, currency, restrictions and accuracy
• Data licences checked before internal distribution or public publication
• Source registers created for project datasets and derived outputs

Participants can create, edit and validate point, line and polygon feature datasets.

• Feature classes created with appropriate geometry types and coordinate systems
• Digitising tools capture assets, boundaries and service locations accurately
• Snapping settings control coincident vertices and connected network features
• Editing templates standardise feature creation and required attribute entry
• Topology rules identify gaps, overlaps, dangles and duplicate features
• Geometry repair tools correct invalid shapes and self-intersections

Participants can structure, edit and relate attribute data to support reliable analysis.

• Attribute schemas specify field names, types, lengths and null rules
• Coded value domains standardise categories such as asset condition
• Subtypes separate feature categories with different default values
• Table joins connect geographic features to spreadsheet-based indicators
• Relates manage one-to-many records without duplicating feature geometry
• Field calculations derive ratios, dates, identifiers and status flags

Participants can apply quality checks and maintain structured geodatabases for shared GIS work.

• Positional, attribute, temporal and logical accuracy assessed separately
• Validation rules identify missing values, invalid codes and duplicate identifiers
• File Geodatabases organise feature classes, tables, domains and relationships
• GeoPackage layers managed as portable datasets for QGIS workflows
• Naming conventions distinguish source, edited, derived and final datasets
• Quality-control logs record errors, corrections, assumptions and outstanding issues

Participants can design thematic map layers that communicate patterns without misleading readers.

• Nominal, ordinal and quantitative data matched to visual variables
• Graduated colours classify rates using natural breaks and quantiles
• Equal interval and standard deviation classifications compared critically
• Proportional symbols display counts without obscuring local geography
• Label classes manage placement, priority, scale ranges and conflicts
• ColourBrewer palettes selected for sequential, diverging and categorical maps

Participants can produce map layouts that meet professional reporting and operational requirements.

• Layout elements arranged using visual hierarchy and reading order
• Titles, legends, scale bars, north arrows and credits checked
• Inset maps establish location context for local analytical findings
• Map notes state sources, dates, projections and analytical limitations
• Export settings selected for PDF, PNG and print-quality outputs
• Cartographic review checks legibility, accuracy, balance and audience suitability

Participants can select features using attribute, location and combined query criteria.

• SQL expressions select records using logical operators and wildcard searches
• Definition queries restrict displayed features without deleting source records
• Select by location identifies features intersecting, containing or touching others
• Spatial relationships tested using within-distance and nearest-feature criteria
• Selection sets converted into new datasets for further analysis
• Query logic documented so analysts can reproduce decision rules

Participants can analyse proximity and spatial overlap to assess constraints, exposure and coverage.

• Buffer distances model service zones, exclusion areas and exposure corridors
• Dissolve operations merge overlapping zones using specified attribute values
• Clip tools extract study-area features while preserving relevant attributes
• Intersect analysis identifies combined conditions across multiple polygon layers
• Union analysis retains full spatial extent from overlapping datasets
• Near and nearest-neighbour tools measure proximity to facilities

Participants can assess accessibility and service areas using network-based travel analysis.

• Network datasets represent roads, paths, restrictions and travel costs
• Service areas estimate reachable locations within specified travel thresholds
• Origin-destination cost matrices compare access between demand and facilities
• Shortest-path analysis identifies efficient routes between defined locations
• Impedance values account for distance, time, direction and restrictions
• Accessibility results interpreted against population and service-demand datasets

Participants can load, inspect and prepare raster data for mapping and analysis.

• Raster properties inspected for bands, cell size, extent and bit depth
• Satellite imagery distinguished from aerial photography and scanned maps
• Spectral bands interpreted using visible, near-infrared and shortwave wavelengths
• Raster symbology adjusted through stretch methods and colour composites
• Cell size implications assessed for feature detection and analysis precision
• Mosaic datasets combine adjacent raster scenes with consistent display settings

Participants can georeference scanned maps and interpret imagery using visible evidence.

• Ground control points matched between unreferenced images and reference layers
• Transformation methods compared: affine, polynomial and spline approaches
• Root mean square error reviewed before accepting georeferenced outputs
• Resampling methods selected for categorical and continuous raster values
• Image interpretation uses tone, texture, shape, pattern and association
• Georeferenced outputs documented with control-point sources and transformation details

Participants can derive terrain and hydrological indicators from digital elevation models.

• Digital elevation models distinguished from digital surface models
• Hillshade renders terrain form using illumination azimuth and altitude
• Slope and aspect layers identify steepness and directional exposure
• Contour generation converts elevation surfaces into line features
• Fill sinks prepares elevation models for hydrological flow analysis
• Flow direction and accumulation identify likely drainage pathways

Participants can classify raster imagery and assess mapped change between time periods.

• Supervised classification uses training samples for defined land-cover classes
• Unsupervised classification groups pixels using spectral similarity algorithms
• Normalized Difference Vegetation Index measures relative vegetation greenness
• Reclassification converts continuous values into analytical suitability classes
• Confusion matrices assess classification accuracy against reference observations
• Post-classification comparison identifies land-cover transitions between dates

Participants can build transparent suitability models using weighted spatial criteria.

• Decision criteria translated into measurable spatial factors and constraints
• Standardised scores place different criteria on comparable numeric scales
• Weighted overlay combines reclassified raster factors using documented weights
• Boolean masks exclude prohibited locations from candidate site areas
• Sensitivity testing examines how alternative weights affect results
• Suitability maps communicate assumptions, trade-offs and decision limitations

Participants can publish controlled web maps and prepare field-data collection workflows.

• Web maps configured with operational layers, pop-ups and bookmarks
• Feature services publish editable data with controlled access permissions
• ArcGIS Online groups organise content for project teams and stakeholders
• Offline field forms capture locations, photographs, dates and condition records
• Survey123 form logic applies required fields, constraints and choice lists
• Sharing settings distinguish private, organisational and public map audiences

Participants can create repeatable GIS workflows and document methods for review.

• ModelBuilder chains geoprocessing tools into repeatable analytical workflows
• QGIS Graphical Modeler creates reusable processing sequences without coding
• Batch processing applies identical tools across multiple input datasets
• Processing histories record parameters, inputs, outputs and execution dates
• Workflow diagrams show dependencies between source data and final products
• Method statements document assumptions, thresholds, validation and limitations

Participants can build, review and present a complete GIS analysis project answering a defined operational question.

• Project brief defines decision question, users, scope and acceptance criteria
• Source datasets assessed for suitability, quality, licensing and currency
• Geodatabase, maps and analysis workflow assembled from documented inputs
• Spatial analysis outputs tested against assumptions and quality-control checks
• Final layouts and web-map views prepared for named stakeholder audiences
• Peer review challenges methods, interpretations, limitations and recommendations