May 1, 2024
Updated May 11, 2025
20 minute read
QGIS, formerly known as Quantum GIS, is a free and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) that empowers users to create, edit, visualize, analyze, and publish geospatial data. It runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android (through third-party applications). Think of it as a versatile digital mapping and spatial analysis toolbox, accessible to anyone with a computer and an interest in understanding the "where" of their data.
Working with QGIS can be an engaging and exciting endeavor for several reasons. Firstly, its open-source nature means it's constantly evolving through a global community of developers, offering cutting-edge tools without the often-hefty price tag of proprietary software. This accessibility opens doors for students, researchers, non-profits, and businesses alike. Secondly, QGIS allows you to unravel spatial patterns and relationships in data that might otherwise remain hidden. Imagine visualizing the spread of a disease, planning the most efficient delivery routes, or identifying areas vulnerable to climate change – these are the kinds of powerful insights QGIS can help uncover. Finally, the ability to create compelling maps and visualizations offers a powerful way to communicate complex information effectively, making it a valuable skill in a wide range of fields.
Introduction to QGIS: Overview and Core Concepts
This section provides a foundational understanding of QGIS, its history, core capabilities, and how it positions itself in the broader GIS software landscape. We aim to provide enough information for you to grasp the essence of QGIS and its potential applications.
What Exactly is QGIS?
At its core, QGIS is a user-friendly open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) licensed under the GNU General Public License. This means it's freely available to download, use, modify, and share. It provides the tools to work with geographic information, which is any data that has a location component. This could be anything from the coordinates of a specific tree to the boundaries of a country, or even satellite imagery showing land cover changes over time.
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Find a path to becoming a QGIS. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/5gcygb/qgi
Reading list
We've selected 22 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
QGIS.
This workbook is designed for both classroom use and independent study, providing a comprehensive introduction to QGIS 3.x. It covers basic GIS concepts, spatial analysis, data management, and cartographic design through hands-on exercises. is highly valuable for beginners and those transitioning from other GIS software, serving as a practical guide to solidify fundamental QGIS skills. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic settings.
Provides a solid introduction to QGIS, covering the interface, working with vector and raster data, using plugins, the Processing Toolbox, georeferencing, and creating maps. It's an excellent resource for beginners to gain a broad understanding of QGIS capabilities. The book includes data to follow along with chapters and is useful for self-study.
Is an in-depth guide for becoming proficient in spatial data analysis using QGIS 3.x with Python. It's aimed at users who want to master geospatial development and utilize the full potential of QGIS through scripting and advanced techniques.
This cookbook provides recipes for automating geoprocessing tasks in QGIS using Python. It's ideal for users with programming experience who want to extend QGIS functionality and create custom workflows. It's a valuable reference for anyone interested in the Python API for QGIS.
This guide is specifically for those who want to program with QGIS using Python (PyQGIS). It covers understanding the QGIS API, writing scripts, and building plugins. It's a technical book best suited for users with Python experience looking to customize and extend QGIS.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to getting started with QGIS, covering loading data, creating data, styling, and making maps. It's a good resource for absolute beginners to quickly gain confidence with the software interface and basic functions.
Focused on hydrological applications, this book provides practical recipes for using QGIS in catchment hydrology and water management. It's valuable for students and professionals in environmental science and hydrology, offering domain-specific QGIS skills and workflows. It includes exercises and links to video materials for enhanced learning.
This guide focuses on using QGIS for working with satellite imagery and remote sensing data. It's particularly relevant for courses involving remote sensing and environmental monitoring, demonstrating how to process and analyze satellite data within QGIS.
Aimed at intermediate and advanced users, this book delves deeper into QGIS capabilities, covering advanced data management, visualization, and spatial analysis techniques. It's a good resource for those looking to become power users and transition from proprietary GIS software. While the second edition is older, it provides a solid foundation for advanced concepts.
Is tailored for ecologists and environmental scientists, guiding them on using QGIS for creating maps for ecological surveys and reports. It's a practical guide with no jargon, focusing on the specific mapping needs of this field.
Aims to provide a complete beginner's guide to QGIS Desktop, covering the basics, working with data, styling, and creating maps. It includes a working project to help solidify understanding of fundamental GIS and cartography concepts in QGIS.
Explores geospatial analysis using a combination of R and QGIS. It's suitable for users interested in leveraging the statistical capabilities of R within a GIS workflow. It provides practical examples for real-world projects.
Focuses on geospatial analysis using Python, with practical techniques applicable to GIS and remote sensing. While not exclusively about QGIS, it's highly relevant for users who want to integrate Python scripting with QGIS for advanced analysis and automation.
Focuses on using QGIS in conjunction with Mergin Maps for field data collection and management. It's a valuable resource for anyone involved in fieldwork and mobile data collection using QGIS.
Guides users through viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data in QGIS, including an introduction to Python scripting for QGIS. It's suitable for beginners and those looking to expand their skills beyond the basics. While slightly older, the fundamental concepts remain relevant, although newer editions or supplementary resources may be needed for the latest QGIS versions.
Is part of a series focusing on remote sensing applications with QGIS in specific domains. This volume is relevant for those interested in using QGIS for agricultural and forestry applications, providing domain-specific examples and workflows.
Aimed at experienced Python developers, this book guides the creation of geospatial applications using QGIS and Python. It's a resource for advanced users looking to build custom solutions and integrate QGIS into larger applications.
Focuses specifically on cartography and map design using QGIS. It's an excellent resource for users who want to create professional and visually appealing maps. It covers styling, labeling, and advanced cartographic techniques.
While not solely about QGIS, this book is highly relevant for those interested in spatial databases and integrating them with QGIS, as highlighted by the course on PostGIS and QGIS. It focuses on performing geospatial analysis using SQL, a valuable skill for advanced QGIS users working with databases.
Often available as a tutorial manual from universities, this resource covers basic GIS concepts and using the QGIS interface for geographic analysis and thematic mapping. It's a good starting point for beginners and may be used in introductory GIS courses.
Provides an introduction to web mapping concepts and technologies, including the use of the qgis2web plugin for QGIS. It's relevant for users interested in publishing their QGIS maps online and understanding the basics of web mapping.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/5gcygb/qgi
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