Introduction and Course Overview - Advanced QGIS

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Advanced QGIS Workshop

Introduction and Course Overview

1. Background Information:

   • This course covers QGIS for automation and advanced visualization.
   • Spatial Thoughts is a modern learning platform that has been developing content for over four years, focusing on QGIS and other open-source technologies.
   • All materials are freely available for anyone to use and learn from.
   • Spatial Thoughts is a certified training provider by QGIS and a sustaining member, financially supporting the QGIS project.

2. Instructor's Background:

   • The instructor has a traditional GIS background with experience in ArcInfo and MapInfo.
   • Worked at Google, involved in the transition from desktop-based mapping software to online tools like Google Maps.
   • Transitioned mapping operations at Google from proprietary software to QGIS for cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

3. History of QGIS:

   • QGIS was initially developed in 2002 as a viewer for the PostGIS database, an extension of the PostgreSQL database.
   • Over the years, QGIS has grown with hundreds of contributors and millions of users worldwide.

4. Personal Experience with QGIS:

   • The instructor first encountered QGIS in 2006 while setting up mapping operations for Google Maps.
   • Transitioned the mapping team to QGIS due to cost-effectiveness and flexibility in customization and automation.
   • Started blogging about QGIS and developed training materials, leading to the creation of QGIS tutorial.com.

5. Exploring QGIS Further:

   • Explored QGIS by developing plugins and learning about customizations.
   • Became a certified QGIS training provider and developed courses for specific applications like urban planning and hydrological analysis.

6. Current Focus:

   • Currently, the focus is on using QGIS for large-scale data processing for remote sensing.
   • The shift towards cloud-hosted data allows for easier access and processing of large datasets, revolutionizing remote sensing workflows.

7. Course Overview:

   • The course is divided into four main modules:
     • Processing Toolbox: Learn about automating workflows and chaining commands together for efficient data processing.
     • Batch Processing: Understand how to run tools on multiple files automatically.
     • Workflow Automation: Learn to chain tools together to automate complex workflows.
     • Temporal and 3D Data: Explore support for time and 3D data visualization in QGIS.
     • Expressions: Master the use of expressions in QGIS to enhance productivity and solve complex problems efficiently.

8. Conclusion:

   • The course aims to equip learners with advanced skills in QGIS for automation, visualization, and problem-solving across various domains.
   • By following the modules and practicing with the provided materials, learners can enhance their proficiency in using QGIS for diverse spatial analysis tasks.

9. Additional Resources:

   • Check out the Spatial Thoughts channel for more tutorials and resources related to QGIS and other geospatial technologies.

By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the Advanced QGIS Workshop and enhance your skills in using QGIS for automation and advanced visualization.