Open-Source GIS using QGIS and Geospatial Analytics Course

Course Introduction

Open-source Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have transformed the way spatial data is collected, analyzed, visualized, and shared across multiple sectors. QGIS, as a leading open-source GIS platform, provides powerful tools for mapping, spatial analysis, and geospatial modeling without the high costs associated with proprietary software. This course introduces participants to practical GIS workflows using QGIS for real-world applications.

The increasing demand for geospatial intelligence in urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, agriculture, and infrastructure development has made QGIS an essential tool for professionals. Its flexibility, extensibility through plugins, and strong community support make it a preferred solution for organizations seeking scalable GIS capabilities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in applying QGIS for spatial problem-solving.

Geospatial analytics plays a critical role in understanding patterns, relationships, and trends across geographic space. Through QGIS, users can perform spatial queries, overlay analysis, raster and vector processing, and predictive modeling. This course focuses on building analytical thinking alongside technical proficiency to support data-driven decision-making in diverse fields.

Open-source GIS ecosystems are continuously evolving with integrations such as Python scripting, cloud-based mapping, and web GIS applications. QGIS supports interoperability with various geospatial formats and tools, enabling seamless integration with remote sensing data, GPS datasets, and spatial databases. Participants will learn how to leverage these capabilities for advanced geospatial workflows.

Organizations today require cost-effective yet powerful GIS solutions to manage spatial data efficiently. QGIS provides an accessible platform for governments, NGOs, researchers, and private sector professionals to develop maps, conduct spatial analysis, and communicate insights effectively. This course ensures participants can independently build and manage GIS projects using open-source technologies.

By the end of the course, participants will be proficient in QGIS tools, geospatial data management, spatial analysis techniques, and map production workflows. They will be able to apply open-source GIS solutions to real-world challenges and contribute to evidence-based planning and decision-making.

Duration

5 days

Who Should Attend

• GIS Analysts and Geospatial Professionals
• Urban and Regional Planners
• Environmental Scientists and Ecologists
• Data Analysts and Data Scientists
• Government Planning and Survey Officers
• NGO and Development Project Staff
• Civil Engineers and Infrastructure Planners
• Disaster Risk Management Professionals
• Remote Sensing and Earth Observation Specialists
• Students and Researchers in Geospatial Sciences
• Agriculture and Natural Resource Managers
• Transport and Logistics Analysts
• IT Professionals working with spatial databases
• Public Health and Epidemiology Analysts
• Surveyors and Cartography Professionals

Course Objectives

• Develop a strong foundation in open-source GIS concepts and practical applications using QGIS for spatial data analysis and visualization workflows.
• Equip participants with hands-on skills in managing vector and raster data for real-world geospatial analysis and mapping projects effectively.
• Build capacity to create high-quality thematic maps, cartographic outputs, and spatial visualizations for communication and decision-making support.
• Enable participants to perform spatial analysis techniques including buffering, overlay analysis, and spatial querying using QGIS tools.
• Strengthen understanding of geospatial data formats, projections, coordinate systems, and data transformation processes in GIS environments.
• Develop practical skills in integrating GPS, remote sensing, and external datasets into QGIS for comprehensive spatial analysis.
• Enhance ability to apply geoprocessing tools and spatial modeling techniques for solving real-world geographic problems.
• Build competency in using QGIS plugins and extensions to expand analytical capabilities and automate geospatial workflows.
• Introduce participants to geospatial databases and data management techniques using PostGIS and other open-source solutions.
• Enable participants to design and implement complete GIS projects using QGIS for decision support and applied research purposes.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Open-Source GIS and QGIS

• Understanding fundamentals of GIS concepts and the role of open-source solutions in modern geospatial analysis systems.
• Exploring QGIS interface, installation process, and core functionalities for spatial data management and visualization tasks.
• Reviewing differences between proprietary GIS software and open-source GIS platforms like QGIS in practical applications.
• Introducing spatial data types, coordinate systems, and basic geospatial concepts used in QGIS environments.

Module 2: Working with Vector Data in QGIS

• Creating, editing, and managing vector datasets including points, lines, and polygons in QGIS environments.
• Understanding attribute tables and performing attribute-based queries for spatial data analysis and filtering.
• Applying symbology and labeling techniques for effective visualization of vector geospatial datasets in maps.
• Importing and exporting vector data between different formats such as shapefiles and GeoJSON files.

Module 3: Raster Data and Remote Sensing in QGIS

• Working with raster datasets including satellite imagery and digital elevation models in QGIS platforms.
• Performing raster analysis including classification, reclassification, and raster algebra operations effectively.
• Integrating remote sensing data for land cover analysis and environmental monitoring applications in GIS.
• Understanding pixel-based analysis and resolution concepts in raster data processing workflows.

Module 4: Spatial Data Management and Projections

• Managing spatial reference systems and coordinate transformations in QGIS for accurate geospatial analysis.
• Understanding map projections and their impact on spatial accuracy and data interpretation processes.
• Reprojecting datasets and handling coordinate system mismatches in multi-source geospatial projects.
• Organizing spatial datasets using QGIS project structures and data management best practices.

Module 5: Geospatial Analysis Techniques

• Performing spatial queries and selection techniques for extracting meaningful geographic information.
• Applying buffer, clip, intersect, and dissolve operations for spatial relationship analysis tasks.
• Conducting overlay analysis for combining multiple spatial layers to generate insights and patterns.
• Using spatial statistics tools for analyzing distribution and clustering of geographic features.

Module 6: Cartography and Map Design

• Designing professional-quality maps using QGIS cartographic tools and layout designer features.
• Applying symbology principles for effective visual communication of spatial information and datasets.
• Creating map layouts including legends, scale bars, north arrows, and annotation elements.
• Exporting maps in different formats for reports, presentations, and digital publishing platforms.

Module 7: Spatial Databases and PostGIS Integration

• Introduction to spatial databases and their importance in managing large geospatial datasets efficiently.
• Connecting QGIS to PostGIS databases for advanced spatial data storage and querying operations.
• Performing SQL-based spatial queries for complex geospatial data analysis and retrieval tasks.
• Managing database schemas and optimizing spatial database performance for large-scale GIS projects.

Module 8: Geoprocessing and Automation in QGIS

• Using geoprocessing tools for automated spatial analysis and data transformation workflows in QGIS.
• Introduction to processing toolbox and model builder for workflow automation and analysis efficiency.
• Applying batch processing techniques for handling large geospatial datasets and repetitive tasks.
• Automating GIS workflows using Python scripting and PyQGIS integration capabilities.

Module 9: Web GIS and Data Sharing

• Publishing spatial data using QGIS cloud services and web mapping platforms for wider accessibility.
• Creating interactive web maps and dashboards for real-time geospatial data visualization.
• Understanding data sharing protocols and interoperability standards in open-source GIS environments.
• Exporting GIS projects for web-based applications and collaborative spatial analysis platforms.

Module 10: Advanced Geospatial Analytics and Applications

• Applying machine learning concepts in geospatial analysis using QGIS and external tools integration.
• Conducting multi-criteria decision analysis for spatial planning and resource allocation problems.
• Integrating big data and real-time spatial analytics for advanced geospatial intelligence applications.
• Exploring emerging trends in open-source GIS including AI, cloud GIS, and mobile GIS solutions

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group (at a discount of 10% to 50%) at requested location all over the world. The Onsite course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, buffet lunch, airport transfers, Upskill gift package, and guided tour.

Visa application, travel expenses, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment:

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.