Open Source GIS Technologies Training Course

Participants can select, assign and transform coordinate reference systems correctly.

• Geographic and projected coordinate reference systems distinguished through measurement purpose
• EPSG codes, datums, ellipsoids and coordinate operations in QGIS
• Select projected CRSs using area, distance, direction and distortion requirements
• On-the-fly projection versus permanent dataset reprojection and associated risks
• Datum transformation grids and warning messages assessed before data conversion
• Positional accuracy, scale and resolution recorded for analytical fitness

Participants can acquire and assess vector data from common open and organisational sources.

• Shapefile, GeoPackage, GeoJSON and FlatGeobuf formats compared for delivery
• Inspect geometry types, attribute fields, nulls and record counts
• OpenStreetMap extracts obtained using Overpass queries and defined feature tags
• WFS services added with source attribution and update-date checks
• Administrative boundaries assessed against authoritative source and version metadata
• Data dictionaries reviewed for field meanings, codes and collection methods

Participants can correct common vector-data errors and document quality-control results.

• Topology rules identify gaps, overlaps, duplicates, dangles and self-intersections
• QGIS geometry checker configured for polygon, line and point datasets
• Repair invalid geometries using fix geometries and targeted editing
• Attribute domains standardised through lookup tables, aliases and value maps
• Duplicate records detected using composite identifiers and spatial proximity checks
• Quality-control log records error type, correction, reviewer and disposition

Participants can use GDAL/OGR to convert, filter and transform spatial datasets reproducibly.

• GDAL utilities distinguished between raster processing and vector data operations
• ogr2ogr converts formats while preserving fields, geometry and coordinate systems
• Command-line filtering selects features using SQL expressions and spatial bounds
• Batch reprojection applies declared source and target coordinate reference systems
• Field mapping resolves incompatible names, types and encoding during conversion
• Processing history captured as reusable commands and documented parameters

Participants can build repeatable QGIS workflows for common spatial processing tasks.

• Processing toolbox providers, algorithm parameters and output destinations configured correctly
• Buffer, dissolve, clip and intersect operations matched to analytical questions
• Model Designer chains inputs, algorithms, variables and named outputs
• Conditional selections use expressions, field values and geometric relationships
• Batch processing applies identical transformations across multiple source datasets
• Workflow documentation records inputs, assumptions, parameters and output limitations

Participants can design a PostGIS schema that supports shared spatial data management.

• PostgreSQL roles, databases, schemas and permissions structured for GIS teams
• PostGIS geometry columns defined with geometry type, SRID and constraints
• Primary keys, foreign keys and lookup tables support reliable attributes
• Normalisation separates repeated entities from transaction and observation records
• Spatial indexes improve query performance for large feature tables
• Load GeoPackage and CSV data using DB Manager import tools

Participants can write SQL queries that retrieve, aggregate and analyse spatial data.

• SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY and CASE expressions filter operational records
• JOIN clauses connect assets, inspections, administrative areas and reference tables
• GROUP BY calculations summarise counts, lengths, areas and condition scores
• ST_Within and ST_Intersects test relationships between spatial features
• ST_Distance and ST_DWithin identify proximity using appropriate projected coordinates
• Explain plans and indexes diagnose slow spatial query performance

Participants can conduct and explain vector analyses for operational decision-making.

• Proximity analysis identifies services within agreed travel or distance thresholds
• Overlay analysis combines hazard zones, population areas and critical facilities
• Network concepts distinguish straight-line distance from route-based accessibility measures
• Weighted criteria models document scores, weights and exclusion constraints
• Spatial joins assign area attributes to facilities, incidents and field observations
• Sensitivity testing examines how changed thresholds alter priority locations

Participants can inspect, prepare and manage raster datasets for spatial analysis.

• Raster cells, bands, resolution, extent and bit depth interpreted correctly
• GeoTIFF, Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF and ASCII grid formats compared
• Raster metadata checked for acquisition date, processing level and nodata values
• Mosaic and clip operations prepare imagery for defined study areas
• Resampling methods selected for categorical and continuous raster variables
• Build overviews and pyramids to improve large raster display performance

Participants can derive and assess basic land-cover information from multispectral imagery.

• Sentinel-2 bands selected for vegetation, water, built surfaces and bare soil
• Band combinations reveal spectral differences using true and false colour displays
• NDVI calculation estimates vegetation greenness from red and near-infrared bands
• Training samples prepared for supervised classification with representative land-cover classes
• Confusion matrices report overall accuracy, producer accuracy and user accuracy
• Classification outputs reviewed against reference imagery and known ground conditions

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

• Digital elevation model resolution assessed against terrain and planning requirements
• Slope, aspect and hillshade derived using terrain analysis algorithms
• Depression filling prepares elevation surfaces for flow-direction calculations
• Flow accumulation identifies likely drainage paths and catchment concentration areas
• Watershed delineation uses pour points, flow direction and accumulation thresholds
• Terrain outputs validated against contours, drainage networks and field observations

Participants can georeference scanned maps and report positional quality appropriately.

• Control points selected from stable, identifiable features across the map
• Affine, polynomial and thin plate spline transformations compared
• Residual errors interpreted using root mean square error diagnostics
• GCP distribution checked for edge coverage and local distortion risk
• Resampling methods chosen according to map content and intended use
• Georeferencing report records source, transformation, control points and accuracy

Participants can produce clear, decision-ready maps using established cartographic principles.

• Map purpose, audience and decision context determine content hierarchy
• Equal interval, quantile and natural breaks classifications compared appropriately
• Colour schemes selected for sequential, diverging and categorical data
• Label placement uses scale ranges, priorities, buffers and conflict resolution
• Print Layout composes title, legend, scale bar, credits and locator map
• Accessibility checks address colour vision, contrast, symbols and readable text

Participants can document spatial datasets for discovery, reuse and controlled stewardship.

• ISO 19115 metadata elements capture identification, quality, lineage and constraints
• Dataset lineage records source, transformation steps, assumptions and responsible parties
• Data quality statements distinguish completeness, positional accuracy and attribute accuracy
• Controlled vocabularies improve consistency across catalogues, layers and web services
• Access classifications define public, internal, restricted and sensitive spatial information
• Retention schedules identify authoritative copies, updates, archives and disposal triggers

Participants can configure GeoServer services for controlled sharing of spatial information.

• GeoServer workspaces, stores, layers and layer groups organised logically
• Publish PostGIS tables through Web Map Service and Web Feature Service
• OGC WMS, WFS and WMTS capabilities matched to user requirements
• Styled Layer Descriptor rules control symbols, labels, scale and visibility
• Service permissions restrict publishing, editing and access to sensitive layers
• Capabilities documents and service endpoints tested from QGIS clients

Participants can plan fit-for-purpose web map delivery using open standards and formats.

• Web map requirements define users, tasks, devices, performance and access controls
• Vector tiles, raster tiles and feature services compared for delivery
• Web Mercator limitations considered when publishing measurement-sensitive thematic maps
• Popup content designed around decisions, field definitions and source transparency
• Data-download packages include licence, metadata, schema and version information
• Publication checklist verifies service availability, symbology, attribution and permissions

Participants can automate routine GIS processing using basic Python and PyQGIS patterns.

• Python variables, lists, dictionaries and loops structure GIS automation scripts
• PyQGIS accesses project layers, fields, features and processing algorithms
• Parameterised scripts separate user inputs from repeatable processing logic
• Exception handling captures failed files, invalid inputs and processing messages
• Batch scripts iterate through folders, dates or administrative reporting units
• Code comments and README files support review, maintenance and reuse

Participants can design governed GIS workflows that meet operational service requirements.

• Stakeholder interviews translate operational requests into measurable spatial requirements
• Workflow diagrams show inputs, validation gates, outputs, owners and timings
• Service-level measures define update frequency, response time and publication responsibility
• Version control procedures distinguish draft, reviewed, approved and superseded datasets
• Risk register addresses data sensitivity, quality failures, outages and skills gaps
• Implementation roadmap sequences quick wins, dependencies, resources and governance decisions

Participants can build, review and present a complete documented GIS project from source data to published outputs.

• Define project question, users, decision criteria and acceptance measures
• Prepare source datasets using documented coordinate, quality and metadata controls
• Build PostGIS tables and queries supporting the selected analytical workflow
• Execute vector or raster analysis with recorded parameters and assumptions
• Produce decision-ready map layouts, supporting tables and interpretation notes
• Publish selected layers through GeoServer with appropriate service permissions
• Peer review checks reproducibility, cartographic quality, metadata and stated limitations
• Present project findings, implementation recommendations and maintenance requirements clearly