Intro to Geographical Data with QGIS
In person
This course is in two sessions. It will focus on developing skills and a fundamental understanding of Geospatial data and the basic functionalities of QGIS. Each session begins with a presentation that introduces the theoretical principles. This is followed by a guided practical exercise where these principles can be tested and applied, as well as developed upon. In the second semester, there will be more intermediate courses that would be ideal follow-ups for participants.
The first session offers an introduction to the fundamentals behind Geospatial data and QGIS and covers:
- Projections and Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS)
- The difference between vectors and rasters
- Working with layers in QGIS
- Changing projections and the pitfalls of neglecting CRS
- Importing vectors, rasters and delimited text layers
- Spreadsheets, .csv files and attributes/non-spatial data
- Saving and sharing geospatial data
The second session focuses on more complex geospatial processing methods by considering:
- Basic visualisation of geospatial data (2D and 3D)
- Georeferencing vectors
- Exporting and organising geospatial data
- Plugins and QGIS as open-source software
- Creating new data, attributes and layers using the QGIS Processing Toolbox
- Using the field calculator in QGIS
- The print composer and exporting maps
The course will ultimately develop a foundational understanding of Geospatial data and the functionality of QGIS through interactive participation in each session. Crucially, this will foster a familiarity with the basic principles and software, allowing attendees to confidently apply these, or indeed seek out new applications for their own and future research.
This course will be taught by Ki Tong.
After taking part in this event, you may decide that you need some further help in applying what you have learnt to your research. If so, you can book a Data Surgery meeting with one of our training fellows.
More details about Data Surgeries.
Those who have registered to take part will receive an email with full details on how to get ready for this course.
If you’re new to this training event format, or to CDCS training events in general, read more on what to expect from CDCS training. Here you will also find details of our cancellation and no-show policy, which applies to this event.
Level
This is a beginner-friendly course. No prior knowledge of the topic is required/expected, and the trainer will cover the basics of the method.
Learning Outcomes
- reference systems (CRS), and the differences between vector and raster data.
- Confidently use QGIS to bring in, manage, and work with different types of geospatial datasets.
Produce and share clear maps and geospatial outputs by applying both the theory and hands-on practice covered in the sessions.
Skills
By attending this course, you will familiarise yourself with the following skills
- Practical ability to use QGIS for visualising, processing, and exporting geospatial data.
Confidence in applying the right CRS and managing layers to ensure accurate results.
Explore More Training
- Digital Method of the Month: Geospatial Data and GIS
- Silent Disco: Working with Named Places: How and Why to Build a Gazetteer
- Silent Disco: Creating Choropleth Maps with Python and Folium
Return to the Training Homepage to see other available events
Room 4.35, Edinburgh Futures Institute
This room is on Level 4, in the North East side of the building.
When you enter via the level 2 East entrance on Middle Meadow Walk, the room will be on the 4th floor straight ahead.
When you enter via the level 2 North entrance on Lauriston Place underneath the clock tower, the room will be on the 4th floor to your left.
When you enter via the level 0 South entrance on Porters Walk (opposite Tribe Yoga), the room will be on the 4th floor to your right.
