Introduction to Desktop GIS with QGIS (#maptimeDavis)

Description

This introductory-level workshop will focus upon the fundamental concepts and skills needed to explore and analyze data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software with examples using the QGIS platform.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Define GIS and geospatial concepts and terminology
• Know the difference between vector and raster data types
• Properly connect and add data to a QGIS project
• Know where to find the attributes of your data in QGIS
• Perform basic selections and queries in QGIS
• Symbolize data by attributes
• Assemble a basic map for export.

Prerequisites

No prior experience with QGIS or other GIS software is needed, though attendees should be comfortable learning new computer applications, working with the basics of spreadsheets, and managing and organizing files on their own computers.

Software

Install QGIS, a free and open source program that runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux, from qgis.org.

Instructor: Michele Tobias

Instructor Bio

Michele Tobias is a biogeomorphologist with a background in geospatial methods for ecology. At DataLab, she helps researchers understand and design geospatial methods and workflows, from data collection to spatial analysis to data visualization and cartography. Michele earned her PhD from UC Davis in Geography where she studied California’s sandy beach ecosystem with a mix of traditional phytosociological methods and innovative remote sensing tools. She has a bachelor’s degree in Geography (focused on biogeography) and German (focusing on linguistics) from UCLA and a master’s degree in Ecology (resource ecology & management) from University of Michigan. She worked at the UC Davis Information Center for the Environment as a postdoctoral scholar. Michele’s research interests include applying spatial analysis methods to new avenues of research.