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Introduction to Spatial Databases with PostGIS and QGIS 3

4.5

Based on 1,324 ratings

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Michael Miller

This course is intended to provide an introduction to spatial databases in general and PostGIS in particular to GIS professionals who are interested in expanding their skillset to multi-user enterprise level spatial databases. This course uses the latest (as of 2/18) versions of PostgreSQL (10.1), PostGIS (2.4), and QGIS (3.0). I believe it is the most current and thorough course on spatial databases available today. You will learn

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This course is intended to provide an introduction to spatial databases in general and PostGIS in particular to GIS professionals who are interested in expanding their skillset to multi-user enterprise level spatial databases. This course uses the latest (as of 2/18) versions of PostgreSQL (10.1), PostGIS (2.4), and QGIS (3.0). I believe it is the most current and thorough course on spatial databases available today. You will learn

What a spatial database is and why you would want to use one.
What SQL is, why you would want to use it, and how it can be applied to geospatial concepts.
How to install PostGIS locally for development purposes and how to access a production version via a network or the internet.
How to load your spatial data into PostGIS and access it from a variety of clients, especially QGIS
The basics of SQL for both spatial and non-spatial queries
How to validate data and control user access with the tools built-in to PostGIS
Optimizing your queries for the best performance
How to work with raster data in PostGIS
The basics of programming custom functions with PL/pgSQL
The basics of database administration to keep your database operating smoothly

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the advantages of storing spatial information in spatially enabled databases
Install postgis locally for development purposes and/or access an instance of postgis that is running on their organizations intranet, a web host, or the cloud
Write sql queries to retrieve and analyze spatial data.

Use the tools available in postgis to validate data and control user access
Perform basic database administration functions to keep your spatial database running smoothly

Understand the advantages of storing spatial information in spatially enabled databases
Install postgis locally for development purposes and/or access an instance of postgis that is running on their organizations intranet, a web host, or the cloud
Write sql queries to retrieve and analyze spatial data.
Use the tools available in postgis to validate data and control user access
Perform basic database administration functions to keep your spatial database running smoothly

Syllabus

Introduction

What can a spatial database do for you?

What is a spatial database exactly?

Where does a spatial database live?

Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops knowledge of and proficiency in database administration to keep a database operating smoothly

Explores how to optimize queries for the best performance, including spatial aggregate functions, geometry processing functions, and more

Examines data control to manage user access with the tools built-in to PostGIS

Teaches how to work with raster data in PostGIS, which is commonly used in fields like remote sensing and image processing

Builds a strong foundation in SQL, both spatial and non-spatial, for querying geospatial concepts

Focuses on the latest versions of PostgreSQL, PostGIS, and QGIS, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and skills

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Reviews summary

Practical postgis and qgis for gis professionals

According to learners, this course is an excellent and highly practical introduction to spatial databases with PostGIS and QGIS 3, especially beneficial for GIS professionals shifting to open-source solutions. Students consistently highlight the instructor's clear explanations, knowledgeable delivery, and effective teaching style, which make complex topics easy to grasp. The course is praised for its well-structured content, comprehensive coverage of basic concepts, and hands-on exercises that facilitate real-life application. Reviewers also confirm its continued relevance and applicability with newer QGIS versions, making it a must-take resource for anyone seeking a solid foundation in spatial database management. While comprehensive for beginners, those with prior SQL knowledge might find some sections introductory.

Content is introductory; advanced users may find some SQL sections basic.

"I'm already somewhat familiar with SQL, so I found the SQL sections a bit basic, but they were still good for refreshers."

"My only suggestion is that some of the materials or examples could be a bit more challenging for those with existing database knowledge."

"Good course overall, provides a solid introduction. Some parts could be more in-depth for advanced users."

Course content remains relevant and applicable even with newer QGIS versions.

"Although it was originally created for QGIS 3.0, it is still applicable as I work on QGIS 3.28."

"It is up-to-date and the lectures are very clear and helpful."

Provides a thorough and well-structured introduction to spatial databases.

"Very thorough covering a lot of ground."

"This course provided me with all the necessary information, in a very clear manner, to start working with PostGIS."

"It is up-to-date and the lectures are very clear and helpful. The content is suitable for beginners..."

"Provides a solid foundation."

Course provides practical examples and exercises for immediate application.

"Es super practico y permite entender bien el tema."

"I particularly appreciated the hands-on exercises, which helped solidify my understanding of the concepts."

"The instructor provides great examples to explain the materials."

"Very clear, practical and useful."

The instructor explains complex topics clearly and effectively.

"the instructor is very effective."

"el profesor explica bien el tema y se entiende de forma sencilla y sin complicaciones."

"The instructor's explanations were clear, concise, and easy to follow."

"The instructor explains it really well."

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 Introduction to Spatial Databases with PostGIS and QGIS 3 with these activities:

Practice writing SQL queries to manipulate geospatial data

Show steps

Practicing writing SQL queries to manipulate geospatial data will help you to develop your proficiency in this skill.

Browse courses on SQL

Show steps

Find a set of practice exercises or create your own.
Write SQL queries to solve the exercises.
Check your answers to make sure that they are correct.

Meet with a peer or group for review and Q&A

Show steps

Meeting with a peer or group for review and Q&A will allow you to clarify your understanding of the course material and get support from others.

Show steps

Find a peer or group to meet with.
Decide on a time and place to meet.
Prepare questions and discussion points.
Meet with your peer or group and discuss the course material.

Follow a tutorial to build a web mapping application using PostGIS

Show steps

Following a tutorial to build a web mapping application using PostGIS will help you to gain practical experience and apply your knowledge of the course material.

Browse courses on PostGIS

Show steps

Find a tutorial that is appropriate for your skill level.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial carefully.
Test your application and make sure that it works as expected.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a blog post or article

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Writing a blog post or article will help you to consolidate your knowledge of the course material and identify areas where you need further study.

Browse courses on Geospatial Data

Show steps

Choose a topic for your post or article that is related to the course material.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Write a clear and concise post or article that is informative and engaging.
Publish your post or article online and share it with others.

Create a presentation on a topic related to PostGIS

Show steps

Creating a presentation on a topic related to PostGIS will help you to deepen your understanding of the material and improve your communication skills.

Browse courses on PostGIS

Show steps

Choose a topic for your presentation that is related to the course material.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Create a clear and concise presentation that is informative and engaging.
Practice your presentation.
Deliver your presentation to an audience.

Participate in a hackathon or data science competition that uses PostGIS

Show steps

Participating in a hackathon or data science competition that uses PostGIS will challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge in a practical setting.

Show steps

Find a hackathon or data science competition that uses PostGIS.
Form a team or work individually.
Develop a solution to the hackathon or competition challenge.
Submit your solution.

Contribute to an open-source PostGIS project

Show steps

Contributing to an open-source PostGIS project will allow you to make a meaningful contribution to the community and gain experience in working on real-world projects.

Browse courses on Open Source

Show steps

Find an open-source PostGIS project that you are interested in contributing to.
Fork the project and make your changes.
Submit a pull request to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Spatial Databases with PostGIS and QGIS 3 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

GIS Analyst

GIS Analysts use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and visualize spatial data. They use this data to solve problems and make informed decisions. This course is very relevant to GIS Analysts as it will provide them with the technical knowledge and skills they need to perform spatial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial Analysts use geospatial data to solve problems and make informed decisions. They may work in a variety of industries, including environmental science, urban planning, and transportation. This course may be very helpful for Geospatial Analysts who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial Developer

Geospatial Developers use geospatial data to create and develop applications. They may work in a variety of industries, including environmental science, urban planning, and transportation. This course may be helpful for Geospatial Developers who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to build applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Developer

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on, above, and below the surface of the earth. They use spatial data to analyze and visualize water resources. This course may be helpful for Hydrologists who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Remote Sensing Analyst

Remote Sensing Analysts use satellite imagery and other data to study the earth's surface. They use spatial data to analyze and visualize this data. This course may be helpful for Remote Sensing Analysts who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Analyst

Land Surveyor

Land Surveyors measure and map the earth's surface. They use spatial data to create maps and other documents that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as planning and construction. This course may be helpful for Land Surveyors who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Land Surveyor

Database Administrator

Database Administrators ensure database systems run smoothly by performing maintenance, backups, repairs, and upgrades. They may also provide guidance and support to other database users, including developers and analysts. A course on spatial databases, like this one, would teach Database Administrators about the tools specific to this kind of database, such as testing spatial relationships, accessing geometry, and writing spatial queries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Map Technician

Map Technicians create and maintain maps. They use spatial data to create maps that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as navigation and planning. This course may be helpful for Map Technicians who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Map Technician

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners plan and design transportation systems. They use spatial data to analyze and visualize transportation data. This course may be helpful for Transportation Planners who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Urban Planner

Urban Planners plan and design cities and towns. They use spatial data to analyze and visualize urban data. This course may be helpful for Urban Planners who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Planning Technician

Planning Technicians assist with planning projects, such as land use planning and transportation planning. They use spatial data to create maps and other documents that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as planning and construction. This course may be helpful for Planning Technicians who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to manage and analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Planning Technician

Data Analyst

Data Analysts have the knowledge and skills to collect, clean, and analyze data. They use this data to identify trends and patterns that can help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts wishing to work with spatial data, as it will provide them with the skills they need to analyze this data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They use spatial data to create maps and other interactive features for websites. This course may be helpful for Web Developers who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to use this data in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain the systems and infrastructure that store and process data. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to ensure that data is available, reliable, and secure. This course may be helpful for Data Engineers who want to work with spatial data, as it will provide them with the skills they need to design and build systems for this type of data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Writer

Writers create content for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, journalism, and technical writing. They may use spatial data to create maps and other visuals to illustrate their writing. This course may be helpful for Writers who want to learn more about spatial databases, as it will provide them with the skills they need to use this data in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Spatial Databases with PostGIS and QGIS 3.

Cover image

Cover image

PostGIS in Action, Third Edition

Save

Comprehensive guide to PostGIS, covering everything from installation to advanced topics like topology and raster data. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about PostGIS.

PostGIS in Action, Third Edition

PostGIS in Action, Third Edition

Cover image

Cover image

The PyQGIS Programmer's Guide

Save

Introduces QGIS, an open-source GIS software that is used for viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about QGIS.

The PyQGIS Programmer's Guide: Extending QGIS 3...

The Pyqgis Programmer's Guide

Cover image

Cover image

Southern African Geomorphology

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This comprehensive textbook on geospatial analysis provides a broad overview of the field, including techniques and applications relevant to spatial data in PostGIS.

Southern African Geomorphology

Southern African Geomorphology

Cover image

Cover image

SQL and Relational Theory

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This classic book on SQL provides a deep understanding of the language's fundamentals, which is essential for working with spatial data in PostGIS.

SQL and Relational Theory

SQL and Relational Theory

Cover image

Cover image

Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python

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Introduces the use of Python for geospatial analysis, providing a valuable complement to the SQL and PostGIS skills covered in the course.

Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python - Fourth...

Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python:...

Learning Geospatial Analysis With Python: An...

Learning Geospatial Analysis with Python

Cover image

Cover image

Dynamic Thinking

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This classic book provides a comprehensive introduction to map projections, which is important for understanding the spatial reference systems used in PostGIS.

Dynamic Thinking: A Primer on Dynamic Field Theory...

Cover image

Cover image

PostgreSQL: Up and Running

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Provides a solid foundation in PostgreSQL, the open-source database management system that PostGIS is built on.

PostgreSQL: Up and Running

PostgreSQL: Up and Running

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Rating

4.5

Effort

12.5 total hours

Via

Udemy

Instructor

Michael Miller

Language

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops knowledge of and proficiency in database administration to keep a database operating smoothly

Explores how to optimize queries for the best performance, including spatial aggregate functions, geometry processing functions, and more

Examines data control to manage user access with the tools built-in to PostGIS

Teaches how to work with raster data in PostGIS, which is commonly used in fields like remote sensing and image processing

Builds a strong foundation in SQL, both spatial and non-spatial, for querying geospatial concepts

Focuses on the latest versions of PostgreSQL, PostGIS, and QGIS, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and skills

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