In a world where sustainability and environmental conservation are more crucial than ever, the ‘QGIS Applied to the Environment’ course will provides the tools you need to excel in a booming sector. You will learn how to using QGIS, a powerful Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software programme, for analyse and visualise geospatial data efficiently. With the rise of technology and the growing demand for experts capable of interpreting geographical information, acquiring these skills positions you as a valuable professional in the job market. The digital maps, georeferencing and spatial analysis These are just some of the skills you’ll develop. This online course enables you to learn at your own pace and from anywhere, giving you the flexibility you need to advance your career. If you’re looking to be part of the change and to contribute to environmental management in an innovative way, this course is your gateway.
QGIS Applied to the Environment
Civil Engineering and Structures
30 hours
Introduction
Objectives
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Understanding the basic concepts of the geographic information systems.
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To familiarise yourself with the QGIS graphical user interface.
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Add vector layers and manage their properties and attributes.
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Transform and georeferencing coordinate systems.
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Edit and create spatial data and attribute tables.
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Perform spatial analysis using geoprocessing tools.
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Create 3D visualisations and thematic maps of high quality.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Definitions and basic concepts
Functions and Applications of Geographic Information Systems
Geographical information: Vector data models, raster data models and other data models (CAD, TIN, etc.). Key features, advantages and disadvantages of each data model
An introduction to QGIS and getting to know its graphical user interface
TEACHING UNIT 2. VECTOR DATA. VISUALISATION OF INFORMATION
Add layers, properties and attribute tables
Add Web Map Services and Base Maps (OMS, Google Maps, Bing Maps)
Tools for analysing data: Searches, queries and filtering
Selection tools based on attributes or spatial location, and data capture
Layer symbology: Simple symbology, by category, by quantity and using graphics
Other display options: Labelling and transparency
TEACHING UNIT 3. COORDINATE SYSTEMS, PROJECTIONS AND GEOREFERENCING
Introduction to Coordinate Systems and Projections
Definition of a Coordinate System
Coordinate System Transformation
Georeferencing of images, layers and CAD files
TEACHING UNIT 4. VECTOR DATA MODEL. EDITING AND GENERATING INFORMATION
Creating and editing spatial data
Creating spatial data: Editing toolbar. Digitising techniques
Extracting Vector Layers from OMS
Create layers from CAD files
Edit existing layers
Create layers from coordinates and GPS data
Creating and editing data in the attribute table
Structure of the attribute table
Data types
Edit table details
Calculation of geometric information (area, perimeter, length, etc.)
Generating statistics from the table
Export tables to Excel and other formats. Generate reports and charts
TEACHING UNIT 5. VECTOR DATA MODEL. TABLE RELATIONSHIPS
Database design
Database connections. Joining tables
Spatial joins. Deriving statistics from the information in the database and the spatial location of the features making up the layer
TEACHING UNIT 6. INTRODUCTION TO DATABASES
Different types of data that can be included in a database
An Introduction to Installing PostgreSQL
Data creation and management in PostGIS
TEACHING UNIT 7. GEOPROCESSING WITH VECTOR DATA. SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Vector Geoprocessing: Extraction, Overlay and Proximity Tools
Deriving sampling grids
Multi-criteria analysis. Identification of optimal areas
Guided Exercise 1 (environmental monitoring): Development of sampling grids and analysis of population density trends applied to the environmental monitoring of wind farms
TEACHING UNIT 8. SPATIAL ANALYSIS USING RASTER DATA
File conversion tools. Raster, Vector, ASCII and KML
Generation of digital elevation models from vector data, ASCII files and TIN files
Extraction of raster data by query and by mask
Merging raster files
Contour lines, slope calculations, shaded relief maps, orientations and visibility studies
Guided Exercise 2 (landscape): Study of visibility using visual basins based on high-precision digital terrain models, defining the characteristics of the observer and the project elements
TEACHING UNIT 9. ADVANCED SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Raster file reclassification. Euclidean distances. Creation of Boolean layers, aggregation by intervals or categories, and data conversion
Map algebra (Raster Calculator), mathematical operations between raster layers, cell statistics
Guided Exercise 3 (geomorphology/erosion): Analysis of erosion risk based on variables such as slope, substrate type, presence of vegetation, etc.
Data interpolation techniques (IDW, kriging, nearest neighbour)
Guided Exercise 4 (fauna and vegetation): Producing maps of the density and distribution of fauna and vegetation by interpolating data collected in the field and from the literature
TEACHING UNIT 10. HYDROLOGICAL STUDY AND MULTICRITERIA ANALYSIS
Hydrological study: Mapping drainage networks, flow direction and drains, and identifying catchment areas
Guided Exercise 5 (hydrology): Determining the drainage network, the predominant flow direction, areas of accumulation and catchment areas
Multicriteria raster analysis. Basic concepts and weightings. Weighted linear combination
Non-compensatory analysis. Calculation of lowest-cost routes
Guided Exercise 6 (selection of alternatives): Multi-criteria analysis of environmental variables to select the project alternative with the lowest impact
Guided Exercise 7 (Option 2): Multi-criteria analysis for selecting the route of a linear project with the least impact
TEACHING UNIT 11. WEB RESOURCES AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Downloading map data (IGN) and using WMS map servers
Regional, National, European and International IDEE Organisations
TEACHING UNIT 12. MAP PRODUCTION
Configure the page
Insert common map elements (legend, scale, north arrow, etc.), a coordinate grid, image collages, Excel tables, etc.
Print Options
Guided Exercise 8 (map composition): Production of high-quality thematic maps for environmental studies, in accordance with the provisions of the INSPIRE Directive
TEACHING UNIT 13. 3D VISUALISATION
Converting 2D vector files into 3D vector files
Generating 3D profiles
3D visualisation of vector and raster layers
Virtual flights
Map Animations
Guided Exercise 9 (map composition): Creating a 3D scene of a wind farm