Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become essential tools not only in academic research but also in our daily lives. GIS includes (but is not limited to) mechanisms of geographic data collection, storage, visualization, and analysis. The range of available technologies and application areas is wide and the choice of solution depends on the issues concerned and the level of computer literacy.
The present course introduces geospatial data visualization (mapping) using qGIS, the most popular open-source free GIS package. Participants will develop a basic understanding of spatially referenced data and familiarize themselves with GIS mapping principles. The online sessions followed by individual work will equip participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills in visualizing societal and environmental phenomena.
Many geospatial datasets in various formats (e.g. vector/raster) are freely available online, yet they are greatly underutilized by researchers. Participants will learn what kind of data can be stored in these datasets, and how to obtain, develop, and share such datasets.
The course is focused on practical skills in geospatial data visualization (mapping) and consists of
- Theoretical sessions on principles of geospatial data visualization, cartography, and GIS basics;
- Practicals on learning GIS methods and getting mapping skills in qGIS;
- Independent work on individual course projects.
By the end of the course, participants should be able to
- understand the principles of geospatial data mapping;
- acquire geospatial and other related datasets useful for mapping;
- develop own datasets based on different data sources;
- create simple maps using QGIS.
The course is organized as a series of online presentations (both synchronous and asynchronous) followed by practicals (detailed video instructions), consultations with instructors, and individual work on map development.
Passing the course is based upon completion of the following:
- practical sessions: series of maps should be developed and submitted;
- individual project: a map of interest to be developed and presented.
Participants who have passed the course will receive a CEU SUN certificate on successful course completion and, if requested, ECTS points, which may be accepted for credit transfer by the participants' home universities.
About ISEPEI
The Mapping the World with QGIS workshop continues the series of joint UN-CEU training events under the ISEPEI Project “Bridging ICTs and the Environment”. The ISEPEI Project aims to address the gap between geospatial industry and policy-/decision-makers by providing in-service education and professional training.
Completed CEU Summer University Application Form
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