This training introduces students to both the social and technical aspects of digital mapping. Students will learn fundamental concepts and techniques in cartography and GIS, including file types, data classification, projections and coordinate systems and elementary analytical techniques in a range of desktop and web-based mapping platforms. In addition to providing the fundamental technical competencies necessary to create maps, students will develop the critical awareness required to effectively communicate complex social processes through maps. This course comprises 10 modules, each with their own learning objectives and target deliverable. Modules consist of an applied "hands-on" lesson.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Define and differentiate between variety of spatial data models and formats
• Explain and apply the basics of representation in GIS, (including using vector and raster data formats, determining appropriate geographic coordinate system for a given spatial data file and applying the appropriate geographic projection to a map type and spatial scale)
• Manipulate geospatial datasets (e.g. cleaning, joining, querying, extracting)
• Apply appropriate thematic map symbology to represent geographic phenomena
• Produce static map products that integrate multiple data types and analytical methods
• Obtain geospatial data from a variety of online sources and integrate into mapping processes
• Integrate desktop GIS procedures with web-based mapping platforms

Duration: 2 Weeks

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to new maps plus, cartography and GIS, and creating maps in QGIS

• Basics of cartography, GIS, and mapping
• Introduction of geographic data and information and its coding
• Downloading and installing a free and open-source GIS application (QGIS)
• QGIS interface
• Spatial reference and projection issues
• Working with geographic data with QGIS and viewing their attributes within QGIS
• Basic map styling
• Creating and exporting a basic map as a static image file

Module 2: Thematic data mapping with table joins

• Load shape files and CSV data into QGIS
• Reproject the map into an equal-area projection
• Create classed choropleth map
• Adjusting the legend
• Load tabular CSV data into QGIS and performing a tabular join

Module 03: Geocoding and point in polygon analysis

• Obtain and work with US Census data
• Geocoding of tabular data
• Online geocoding tools
• Polygon analysis points

Module 04: Hexbin and heat mapping

• Map point data
• Create new polygon shape files of hexagon shapes and raster heat maps
• Determine the number of different good types within each polygon
• Play with various classification schemes for representing the data
• Create a 'heat map' representation of the data

Module 05: Creating and editing vector Geometries

• Georeferencing
• Using the GDAL Georeferencer
• Data digitization
• Data digitization with Open Street Map in QGIS

Week 2

Module 06: Openstreetmap data and Introduction to Geoprocessing tools

• Introduction to Open Street Map
• Importing OpenStreetMap data: QuickOSM
• Importing OpenStreetMap data: SpatialLite Database
• Filtering and extraction od data
• Exporting layers to a local CRS
• Introducing Geoprocessing
• Geoprocessing with a buffer analysis

Module 07: Geoprocessing in QGIS and automating workflows

• Extracting and preparing thematic OSM data
• Filtering OSM data to create desired features
• Managing CRSs in a Geoprocessing Workflow
• Extracting attribute types of interest
• Creating a buffer around a Polyline feature
• Clipping features within a buffer
• Geoprocessing functions
• Using the Graphical Processing Modeler to automate workflows

Module 08: Integrating QGIS with cartodb

• Creating a CartoDB account and exploring the documentation and interface
• Loading data into CartoDB
• Using the QGIS CartoDB plugin
• Pulling data down into QGIS for processing
• Pushing data backup to CartoDB
• Making a thematic map in CartoDB

Module 09: Advanced mapping techniques with QGIS and cartodb

• Using SQL in CartoDB
• Symbolizing point data and "Bubble Maps" in CartoDB
• Creating an unclassed proportional symbol map in CartoDB
• What is PostGIS?
• Using SQL and PostGIS to perform Geoprocessing tasks in the browser

Module 10: Bringing it all together (course project)

• Each student will select from suggested datasets to create a final course project
• Students can use CartoDB or Mapbox Studio

General Notes

• This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.
• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.

Course Booking

Please use the “book now” or “inquire” buttons on this page to either book your space or make further enquiries.