Fun fact: QGIS is the most popular open-source GIS software in the world. Many individuals and enterprises use this resource as an alternative to the paid Esri platforms. It's important to get vested with this software, and that's where this course comes in. To get the software, go to our Data and Apps section or download it at qgis.org
This module introduces you to the QGIS interface and basic navigation.
1.1: Installing QGIS
QGIS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download from Our Apps Section or the official QGIS website to download the appropriate version for your operating system. The installation process is generally straightforward, but if you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to reach out.
1.2: Exploring the QGIS Interface
Once installed, launch QGIS. You'll be greeted by the main QGIS window, which consists of several key components:
>> The Menu Bar: Provides access to all of QGIS's functionalities, organized into menus like File, Edit, View, Layer, etc.
>> Toolbars: Offer quick access to frequently used tools, such as zoom, pan, select, and add layers.
>> The Layers Panel: Displays a list of all the layers currently loaded into your project. This is crucial for managing and organizing your geospatial data.
>> The Map Canvas: The central area where your geospatial data is displayed. This is where you'll visualize and interact with your maps.
>> The Status Bar: Provides information about the current operation or selected tool.
1.3: Basic Navigation
Navigating the map canvas is essential for exploring your data. QGIS provides several tools for this:
>> Zooming: Allows you to zoom in and out of the map to see more detail or a broader view.
>> Panning: Enables you to move the map around to view different areas.
Video: Introduction to QGIS: The User Interface
Module 2: Working with Layers
This module covers the fundamental concept of layers and how to add them to your QGIS project, style them, and make a map.
2.1: Understanding Layers
In GIS, data is organized into layers. Each layer represents a specific type of geographic feature, such as roads, rivers, or buildings. Layers can be raster (e.g., images) or vector (e.g., points, lines, polygons). This course looked at the vector data type.
2.2: Adding Layers
QGIS supports a wide variety of data formats. You can add layers to your project using the “Add Layer” tools in the Data Source Manager, or by dragging and dropping files directly onto the map canvas. Commonly used formats include shapefiles, GeoJSON, and raster images. We used GeoJSON(.geojson) and Geopackege(.gpkg) in this module.
2.3: Layer Properties
Each layer has associated properties that control its appearance and behaviour. You can access these properties by right-clicking on a layer in the Layers Panel and selecting “Properties.” Here, you can adjust the layer's symbology (how it's displayed on the map), its coordinate system, and other important settings.
Video 2: The Layer Styling Panel
Video 3: Making a Map using the Print Layout
Conclusion
This introductory course has provided you with a basic understanding of QGIS and its core functionalities. You should now be able to install QGIS, navigate the interface, and work with layers. This is just the beginning of your QGIS journey. We encourage you to explore the extensive documentation and online resources available to further enhance your skills. Happy mapping!
