A practical course on spatial analysis and automated geospatial data processing with QGIS. Participants learn how to conduct spatial queries, overlays, buffer analyses, and statistical evaluations and automate recurring workflows with the Graphical Modeler and batch processing.
You will deepen your QGIS knowledge and apply essential analysis and geoprocessing tools to typical spatial questions. You will select features according to their location, connect spatial and attribute information, and process vector data with clipping, intersection, dissolve, splitting, and merging tools.
You will also calculate statistical and geometric values and develop reproducible processing workflows with the Graphical Modeler. Batch processing will allow you to apply individual tools efficiently to multiple datasets.
By the end of the course, you will be able to plan spatial analyses independently, select appropriate QGIS tools, and automate recurring geoprocessing workflows in a clear and reproducible manner.
• Create spatial and attribute-based queries
• Select features according to spatial relationships
• Conduct spatial joins between layers
• Clip and overlay datasets and analyse them with buffers
• Merge, dissolve, split, and combine layers
• Calculate statistical values for spatial and tabular data
• Check, calculate, and modify geometries
• Connect multiple processing steps with the Graphical Modeler
• Automate recurring tasks with batch processing
• Develop reproducible and documented GIS workflows
• Fundamental knowledge of QGIS
• Experience with layers, attribute tables, and basic selection functions
• A basic understanding of vector and geospatial data
• Knowledge of coordinate systems is helpful
*We customize the course outline and content to your specific needs and relevant use cases.
Module 1: Introduction to Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing
• Purposes and applications of spatial analysis
• Differences between data management, geoprocessing, and analysis
• Translating spatial questions into individual processing steps
• Using vector, raster, and tabular data as inputs
• Distinguishing inputs, parameters, intermediate results, and outputs
• Requirements relating to data quality and spatial accuracy
• Capabilities and limitations of automated analytical results
Module 2: The QGIS Processing Toolbox
• Structure and operation of the Processing Toolbox
• Searching for tools by name, provider, or function
• Distinguishing native QGIS tools from other Processing providers
• Defining input parameters and output options
• Using temporary and permanent results
• Examining processing history and log messages
• Organising frequently used tools as favourites
Module 3: Preparing Data for Analysis
• Checking geometries, attributes, and coordinate systems
• Selecting suitable input layers
• Identifying and repairing invalid or damaged geometries
• Reviewing attribute fields and data types
• Defining study areas and relevant data subsets
• Converting data into suitable formats
• Storing and naming analytical results systematically
Module 4: Attribute-Based Queries
• Selecting features by attribute values
• Creating simple and combined expressions
• Querying text, numerical, and date fields
• Using operators and logical conditions
• Handling missing or empty values
• Processing or exporting selected features
• Saving recurring queries as expressions
Module 5: Spatial Queries
• Understanding spatial relationships between features
• Selecting features that intersect, touch, or overlap
• Identifying features inside or outside a defined area
• Selecting features within a specified distance
• Combining spatial and attribute-based conditions
• Comparing selection methods and their effects
• Reviewing and documenting query results
Module 6: Spatial Joins
• Differences between attribute and spatial joins
• Transferring attributes according to spatial relationships
• Assigning point information to polygons
• Joining information through overlap or proximity
• Summarising multiple matching features
• Applying summary functions during spatial joins
• Identifying and handling unmatched features
• Preparing results for further analysis
Module 7: Buffer and Distance Analysis
• Creating buffers around points, lines, and polygons
• Selecting appropriate buffer distances and units
• Creating single and multiple buffer rings
• Dissolving overlapping buffers or retaining separate areas
• Examining one-sided and line-based buffers
• Mapping zones of influence and accessibility
• Overlaying buffers with other layers
• Assessing the meaning and limitations of distance analysis
Module 8: Clipping and Spatial Overlay
• Clipping layers to a study area
• Comparing Clip, Intersection, and Difference tools
• Combining geometries and attributes from multiple layers
• Identifying shared and non-shared areas
• Applying Union and Symmetrical Difference operations
• Managing geometry collections and different feature types
• Checking overlay results for completeness
• Selecting appropriate tools for different questions
Module 9: Merging, Dissolving, and Combining Data
• Dissolving neighbouring features by shared attributes
• Removing boundaries between related polygons
• Calculating statistics during a dissolve operation
• Merging multiple layers with similar structures
• Understanding the differences between Merge, Append, and Union
• Combining individual features or polygon parts
• Aligning field structures from different input datasets
• Reviewing and cleaning the results
Module 10: Splitting Layers and Datasets
• Dividing layers into multiple outputs by attribute value
• Separating data by region, category, or responsibility
• Exporting individual features as separate files
• Generating dynamic output names
• Creating spatial subsets for different work areas
• Organising dataset sizes and file structures
• Checking split outputs automatically
Module 11: Geometry Tools
• Calculating lengths, areas, perimeters, and coordinates
• Creating centroids and representative points
• Converting multipart and singlepart geometries
• Dividing lines into points or segments
• Deriving polygons from lines and lines from polygons
• Simplifying, smoothing, or densifying geometries
• Extracting and examining vertices
• Repairing invalid geometries
Module 12: Statistical Analysis
• Using essential statistical tools in QGIS
• Calculating counts, totals, averages, minima, and maxima
• Grouping and summarising data by category
• Producing statistics for selected features
• Combining spatial and attribute-based summaries
• Creating result and pivot tables
• Connecting statistical values with spatial features
• Interpreting and visualising results
Module 13: Multistage Analysis Workflows
• Dividing complex questions into logical processing steps
• Combining selection, buffer, overlay, and statistical tools
• Using one tool’s output as the input for another
• Applying temporary intermediate results appropriately
• Documenting parameters and assumptions
• Checking intermediate results for plausibility
• Creating repeatable and traceable analysis workflows
Module 14: Introduction to the Graphical Modeler
• Purpose and interface of the Graphical Modeler
• Adding input parameters, algorithms, and outputs
• Connecting tools and data flows
• Using vector layers, fields, numbers, and selection options as inputs
• Running models and checking results
• Saving and reusing models
• Identifying and resolving common model errors
Module 15: Advanced Model Building
• Connecting several processing steps into a complete model
• Understanding conditional branches and alternative workflows
• Using expression-based values within models
• Generating dynamic file and layer names
• Managing intermediate results
• Configuring model parameters for different datasets
• Documenting models and providing them to other users
• Testing and optimising model workflows
Module 16: Batch Processing
• Automating repeated tool calls with batch processing
• Defining multiple layers or files as inputs
• Varying parameters for different datasets
• Defining automatic output names and storage locations
• Completing and reusing batch tables
• Identifying and handling invalid datasets
• Reviewing processing outputs and logs
• Combining batch processing with the Graphical Modeler
Module 17: Reproducible GIS Workflows
• Documenting input data, parameters, and the software environment
• Using consistent folder and naming structures
• Considering relative paths and portable projects
• Distinguishing intermediate from final results
• Saving models and parameters for later repetition
• Recording analytical assumptions and quality limitations
• Reproducing results from identical inputs
• Providing clear workflows for teams
Module 18: Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting
• Reviewing processing messages and error logs
• Investigating empty or unexpected results
• Identifying coordinate-system and alignment problems
• Recognising invalid geometries and attribute issues
• Checking intermediate outputs step by step
• Using samples and reference data for plausibility checks
• Correcting invalid model or batch parameters
• Documenting analytical steps and corrections
Module 19: Practical Project – An Automated Analysis Workflow
• Defining a typical spatial question
• Checking and preparing input data
• Conducting attribute and spatial queries
• Applying buffer and overlay tools
• Combining results and calculating statistics
• Building the complete workflow in the Graphical Modeler
• Automating processing for multiple datasets
• Reviewing, visualising, and documenting the results
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