QGIS Mapping, Visualisation and Analysis Training Course

Participants can select appropriate spatial data models and coordinate reference systems for analysis.

• Vector geometry types compared for points, lines, polygons and multipart features
• Raster grids interpreted through cells, bands, resolution and pixel values
• Geographic and projected coordinate reference systems distinguished using EPSG codes
• Datum transformations assessed before combining data from different sources
• UTM zones selected for local distance, area and direction measurements
• Scale, resolution and positional accuracy related to intended analytical use

Participants can import common spatial data formats and inspect their fitness for intended use.

• GeoPackage, Shapefile, GeoJSON and CSV files loaded into QGIS projects
• Delimited text coordinates converted into point layers with correct field settings
• Web Feature Service and Web Map Service layers added from catalogues
• OpenStreetMap data obtained through QuickOSM queries and download extracts
• Layer properties inspected for geometry, CRS, extent, fields and source
• Data licences, collection dates and scale limitations recorded before analysis

Participants can clean, calculate and connect attribute data for spatial analysis.

• Attribute tables filtered, sorted and selected using field-based conditions
• Field types, null values and coded domains checked before calculation
• Field Calculator expressions create derived measures, categories and identifiers
• One-to-one joins connect spreadsheet indicators to geographic boundary layers
• Relates preserve one-to-many links between assets and inspection records
• Aggregates summarise linked records by feature, category and reporting period

Participants can identify spatial data errors and document datasets for reliable reuse.

• Geometry Checker identifies duplicate vertices, self-intersections and invalid polygons
• Topology rules test gaps, overlaps, dangles and containment relationships
• Snapping settings control vertex capture during feature correction and editing
• Attribute completeness assessed through null counts, ranges and value frequencies
• ISO 19115 metadata elements recorded for source, lineage, accuracy and restrictions
• Quality-control logs document corrections, assumptions and unresolved data limitations

Participants can create and update spatial features while preserving geometric and attribute quality.

• Editing sessions create points, lines and polygons from operational evidence
• Advanced Digitizing tools apply precise distances, angles and coordinate constraints
• Tracing follows existing boundaries when capturing adjacent land or service areas
• Split, merge and reshape operations maintain features during boundary revisions
• Default values and form widgets standardise newly captured attribute records
• GPS observation imports compared against imagery and reference map features

Participants can design thematic maps that represent quantitative and categorical patterns accurately.

• Graduated symbols classify rates, counts and densities using appropriate methods
• Natural Breaks, quantiles and equal intervals compared against data distributions
• Proportional symbols represent totals without misleading class boundaries
• Categorised symbology applies controlled palettes to nominal attribute values
• Data normalisation calculates rates per population, area or service unit
• Classification decisions documented with class breaks, units and interpretation notes

Participants can produce clear map layouts suitable for reports, briefings and print publication.

• Visual hierarchy directs attention through contrast, size, placement and colour
• ColourBrewer palettes selected for sequential, diverging and qualitative mapping
• Labels configured with priorities, buffers, callouts and collision avoidance
• Map layouts include titles, legends, scale bars, north arrows and sources
• Atlas generation creates individual map pages from boundary or asset features
• PDF, SVG and image exports prepared with suitable resolution and dimensions

Participants can isolate features using attribute, location and expression-based query methods.

• Select by Expression filters records using logical, numeric and text conditions
• Spatial predicates identify features intersecting, containing, touching or within others
• Select by Location applies predicates between target and reference layers
• Query Builder creates reusable SQL-like conditions for layer display filters
• Virtual fields calculate dynamic values without altering source datasets
• Bookmarks and map themes preserve focused analytical views for review

Participants can measure proximity and create defensible service, risk and influence zones.

• Fixed-distance buffers model catchments around facilities, roads and hazards
• Variable-distance buffers use attribute values to represent differentiated influence zones
• Dissolve operations combine overlapping buffers into shared coverage areas
• Distance to nearest hub measures access to services or infrastructure
• Multi-ring buffers compare population exposure across distance thresholds
• Projected CRS selection verified before distance and area calculations

Participants can combine spatial layers to quantify overlaps, allocations and area-based indicators.

• Clip extracts features within administrative, project or environmental boundaries
• Intersect creates shared geometries and attributes from overlapping feature layers
• Union retains combined polygon coverage for land-use conflict assessment
• Difference removes restricted, unsuitable or already-served geographic areas
• Join attributes by location transfers counts and summaries between layers
• Zonal summaries calculate area, length and feature counts by reporting unit

Participants can assess routes, travel distance and service access using network data.

• Road network attributes prepared for direction, speed and travel-cost analysis
• Shortest path analysis identifies efficient routes between origins and destinations
• Service area polygons estimate reachable areas within defined travel thresholds
• Origin-destination matrices compare access between settlements and facilities
• Network assumptions tested for barriers, one-way links and missing roads
• Accessibility findings interpreted alongside population, terrain and transport constraints

Participants can prepare raster datasets for analysis while controlling extent, resolution and values.

• Raster properties inspected for bands, cell size, extent and no-data values
• Clip Raster by Mask Layer limits imagery to relevant study boundaries
• Warp Reproject converts raster datasets into a common coordinate reference system
• Resampling methods compared for categorical, continuous and imagery datasets
• Raster Calculator combines grids through arithmetic and conditional expressions
• Virtual rasters reference multiple files without duplicating underlying source data

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

• Digital elevation models assessed for vertical units, resolution and artefacts
• Hillshade visualisation reveals terrain form through illumination azimuth and altitude
• Slope and aspect rasters derived for suitability and exposure assessment
• Contour lines generated using appropriate elevation intervals and smoothing
• Flow direction and accumulation identify probable drainage pathways and catchments
• Terrain outputs validated against imagery, contours and known landscape features

Participants can interpret multispectral imagery and calculate indices for land and vegetation assessment.

• Sentinel-2 bands selected according to visible, near-infrared and shortwave information
• True-colour and false-colour composites reveal vegetation, water and built surfaces
• Normalized Difference Vegetation Index calculated from red and near-infrared bands
• Normalized Difference Water Index identifies open water and moisture patterns
• Cloud masks and acquisition dates assessed before temporal imagery comparison
• Spectral index thresholds checked against imagery and local reference observations

Participants can produce basic land-cover classifications and identify mapped change between dates.

• Training samples defined for vegetation, water, bare ground and built areas
• Supervised classification concepts reviewed through spectral signatures and class separability
• Raster reclassification assigns value ranges to interpretable land-cover categories
• Confusion matrices assess classification accuracy using independent reference samples
• Post-classification comparison identifies transitions between two mapped time periods
• Change maps distinguish real land-cover change from seasonal or sensor variation

Participants can connect QGIS to PostGIS and retrieve spatial data through basic SQL queries.

• PostGIS connections configured using host, database, schema and authentication parameters
• Spatial tables inspected for geometry columns, identifiers and coordinate reference systems
• SELECT, WHERE and ORDER BY queries retrieve targeted attribute records
• ST_Intersects and ST_DWithin filter features using spatial relationship conditions
• Database views provide managed layers for recurring QGIS mapping tasks
• Indexes and permissions discussed for shared spatial database performance and governance

Participants can build reusable QGIS processing models for repeated analytical tasks.

• Processing Toolbox searches native, GDAL and GRASS geoprocessing algorithms
• Graphical Modeler chains inputs, parameters and outputs into repeatable workflows
• Model variables expose study areas, thresholds and source layers for reuse
• Batch processing applies one method across multiple datasets or locations
• Processing history records algorithm settings for audit and replication
• Workflow documentation specifies inputs, assumptions, outputs and quality checks

Participants can prepare GIS outputs for controlled sharing while protecting data integrity and sensitive information.

• GeoPackage packages layers, styles and project data for controlled transfer
• Web map requirements assessed for scale, interaction, performance and attribution
• QGIS2Web exports basic Leaflet maps from styled QGIS project layers
• Sensitive locations generalised, masked or removed before external map publication
• Open Geospatial Consortium service standards distinguished for data and map delivery
• Release checklists confirm licences, metadata, legends and disclosure controls

Participants can build, review and present a complete QGIS analysis project addressing a defined operational decision.

• Decision question framed with stakeholders, geographic scope, criteria and required outputs
• Source datasets assessed for currency, projection, completeness and analytical suitability
• Project geodatabase structured with documented layers, fields, styles and relationships
• Vector or raster analysis methods selected against stated decision criteria
• Map layouts communicate findings, uncertainty, assumptions and recommended actions
• Peer review tests analytical logic, cartographic clarity and reproducibility evidence
• Final presentation explains methods, results, limitations and next-step data requirements