Learn geographic information systems (GIS) with QGIS from Udemy

Are you interested in gaining skills in the growing field of geographic information science? Are you already a GIS professional but want to learn how to use a powerful free and open source GIS product? If so, this course is for you.

In this course, I'm going to teach you how to use Quantum GIS (better known as QGIS) to perform GIS tasks to solve spatial problems. Working alongside me you will be introduced to the QGIS interface, and you will then engage in real-world projects to use QGIS for solving vector, raster, and database problems. And for those of you looking to learn how to present cartographically aesthetic map products, I'm going to show you how to use the QGIS Composer applications.

Finally, after being introduced to the basics of QGIS, working on some real world problems, and making your final maps, I will show you how to put your spatial data on the Internet for the world to see.

I've been teaching GIS for over 20 years, and while I can't come to your house and teach you, these videos are the best way to have me work along side you. So, find a comfortable place to hide away, and after a weekend with these materials, you'll be able to successfully use QGIS within a professional setting.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the basic features that a gis offers
Articulate the difference between raster and vector data sources

Utilize qgis to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation

Understand the basic features that a gis offers
Articulate the difference between raster and vector data sources
Utilize qgis to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation

Syllabus

In this section, students will learn about the interface for QGIS.

This lecture introduces you to the course, and also contains a link for all the material you will need. Simply download the .zip file and open it into a directory.

While your training in this QGIS class is over, your learning is just beginning. There is a large and helpful open source community out there that you can participate in. In this short lecture, we'll talk about where to go next to increase your skills with open source GIS, and also help others to learn to use it.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides learners with a powerful free and open source GIS product to enhance their skillset

Suitable for both beginners seeking foundational understanding and professionals seeking to expand their QGIS knowledge

Instructor, Arthur Lembo, brings over 20 years of GIS teaching experience to the course

Covers essential GIS concepts, raster and vector data manipulation, and cartographic map creation

Offers hands-on practice through real-world projects, enhancing learners' practical skills

Provides guidance on publishing spatial data on the internet, extending the reach of learners' work

Reviews summary

Qgis essentials for practical gis skills

According to students, this course offers a highly practical introduction to QGIS, frequently praised for its hands-on activities and real-world project examples. The instructor's clear explanations and demonstrated expertise are consistently highlighted as significant strengths, making it particularly effective for beginners aiming to build a solid foundation in GIS concepts and software operation. While the course successfully covers essential topics like vector and raster analysis and cartographic map production, some learners have noted a recurring issue: the QGIS software version used in the videos appears outdated, which can cause minor interface discrepancies. Additionally, a few students expressed a desire for more advanced topics or greater depth in areas such as web mapping.

Pace is good for beginners but can be slow or rushed.

"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the web mapping section, and I had to pause frequently to keep up."

"It's okay for absolute beginners, but I found it a bit slow-paced in the early modules."

"While it covers the fundamentals well, I think it could benefit from more advanced topics or a dedicated section on Python scripting within QGIS..."

"I would have liked more depth in the web mapping part, as it felt a bit rushed, but overall, a valuable resource."

Provides an excellent entry point for new GIS learners.

"This course is absolutely fantastic for anyone looking to get started with QGIS."

"Overall, a very solid introduction to QGIS. The instructor's experience shines through."

"As a GIS professional, I wanted to learn QGIS for a new project. This course provided an excellent, practical overview."

"A very useful course for beginners. The instructor breaks down complex GIS concepts into understandable parts."

The instructor offers clear, expert guidance.

"The instructor explains concepts clearly and the hands-on projects are incredibly useful."

"The instructor's experience shines through. My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit rushed..."

"The instructor is knowledgeable. I especially liked the habitat suitability analysis project, very practical."

"The instructor breaks down complex GIS concepts into understandable parts."

Learn QGIS through engaging, real-world applications.

"The hands-on projects are incredibly useful. I particularly enjoyed the section on cartographic map production; it really helped me create professional-looking maps."

"This course provided an excellent, practical overview. The real-world examples of vector and raster analysis were spot on."

"Absolutely brilliant! The hands-on approach and clear explanations made learning QGIS much easier than I expected."

"The practical exercises are the highlight. I was able to follow along easily and apply the concepts immediately."

Course uses an older QGIS version, causing discrepancies.

"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit rushed... the QGIS interface shown was slightly older than my current version..."

"The version of QGIS used in the videos is quite old, which leads to some confusion as menu options have changed. I wish it was updated to the latest stable release."

"I struggled with this course due to the outdated software version. Many of the menus and tools shown in the videos were different in the current QGIS..."

"The content is good, but the reliance on an older version of QGIS makes it challenging. This course needs to be refreshed to remain relevant."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn geographic information systems (GIS) with QGIS with these activities:

Review basic GIS concepts

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Brush up on your basic concepts to strengthen your understanding.

Browse courses on GIS

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Go through your previous notes or textbooks.
Watch online videos or tutorials on basic GIS concepts.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.

Seek guidance from experts

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Getting mentorship from experienced individuals can provide you with valuable insights and support.

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Reach out to GIS professionals in your network or online communities.
Attend industry events and conferences.
Find potential mentors through online platforms or social media.

Organize and review materials

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Staying organized will help you retain information better.

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Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, and other materials.
Review your materials regularly.
Summarise key concepts and make connections between different materials.

Four other activities

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Follow resources introduced in lecture material

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Reviewing these resources will give you a stronger foundation in using the QGIS software.

Browse courses on QGIS

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Find the resources linked in the module materials.
View and review the resources.
Take notes on the key concepts and steps outlined in the resources.

Work on a class project

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Completing class projects will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting.

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Read the project instructions carefully.
Gather the necessary data and resources.
Plan your project.
Execute the project plan.
Submit the project.

Join a discussion forum or study group

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Engage in discussions with other learners to reinforce your understanding.

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Find a discussion forum or study group related to GIS or QGIS.
Participate in discussions.
Ask questions and answer the questions of others.

Create a map or analysis using QGIS

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Creating a project will provide you with hands-on practice in applying the concepts you've learned.

Browse courses on QGIS

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Choose a real-world dataset and scenario.
Perform data analysis and visualization using QGIS.
Create a map or report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn geographic information systems (GIS) with QGIS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

GIS Analyst

Geographic information systems (GIS) analysts use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to solve problems and make decisions. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, environmental consulting, and transportation. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a GIS analyst, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. They use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to design maps that are both accurate and visually appealing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a cartographer, including how to use the QGIS Composer applications to create cartographically aesthetic map products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial analysts use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to solve problems and make decisions. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, environmental consulting, and transportation. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a geospatial analyst, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

GIS Developer

GIS developers use their knowledge of GIS software and programming languages to develop custom GIS applications. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, environmental consulting, and transportation. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a GIS developer, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Developer

Spatial Data Scientist

Spatial data scientists use their knowledge of GIS software, spatial data, and statistics to solve problems and make decisions. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, environmental consulting, and transportation. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a spatial data scientist, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spatial Data Scientist

Urban Planner

Urban planners use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to plan and design cities and towns. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, planning firms, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an urban planner, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to study the environment and solve environmental problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an environmental scientist, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Transportation Planner

Transportation planners use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to plan and design transportation systems. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, planning firms, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a transportation planner, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Land Surveyor

Land surveyors use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to survey land and create maps. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a land surveyor, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Land Surveyor

Natural Resources Manager

Natural resources managers use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to manage natural resources such as forests, parks, and water. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a natural resources manager, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resources Manager

Geographic Information Technician

Geographic information technicians use their knowledge of GIS software and spatial data to create and maintain geographic information systems. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a geographic information technician, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Technician

Data Analyst

Data analysts use their knowledge of statistics and data analysis techniques to analyze data and solve problems. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, business, and healthcare. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a data analyst, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database administrators use their knowledge of database management systems to design, implement, and maintain databases. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, business, and healthcare. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a database administrator, including how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Project Manager

Project managers use their knowledge of project management techniques to plan, execute, and close projects. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, business, and healthcare. This course may be useful for project managers who want to learn how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers use their knowledge of marketing principles and techniques to develop and implement marketing campaigns. They may work in a variety of industries, including government, business, and healthcare. This course may be useful for marketing managers who want to learn how to use QGIS to perform raster, vector, and database manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager