Setting Up

Preparing for the workshop

We will be using open source and freely available resources to demonstrate that the power of GIS is available to anyone with some training and motivation to learn.  We will be focused on both desktop functions as well as how to get data from the field to your GIS without a lot of fancy gear. 

Desktop GIS 

We will use Quantum GIS, or QGIS, a cross- platform desktop application that can be downloaded here: http://qgis.org/  Please ensure you install version 2.18.23, the latest Long-Term Release.

We will also have a copy on a flash drive for offline access if necessary.

iNaturalist Account

We will use iNaturalist, a citizen science platform, to record observations and show you how to use them in a GIS. Please register for a free account if you don't already have one. https://www.inaturalist.org/

If you have a smartphone, it would be easiest to download the iphone or android app to capture observations on the go.