Discovering QGIS – Online

In this course, we discover the basics of using QGIS in the context of environmental information. This course will take you through each step at an easy and accessible pace. With the support of our expert tutor, you will become confident with the QGIS interface, allowing you to build, style, and present maps

For this course, you will need QGIS software before the course starts. This software is free to download with the latest release is always available from the QGIS Home Page.
Please ensure you have a working version of QGIS before purchasing this course.

This is a 4-week online course covering 4 topics, for which you will complete a variety of self-led online study content, activities, assignments and live Zoom sessions. Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours a week and an E-certificate is provided upon completion.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Set up QGIS, navigate the interface, and use basic functions
• Understand and use vector and raster data, and different coordinate reference systems
• Change data styles present data in the most appropriate way and create a shareable map
• Create point, line, and polygon data as well as input GPS data
• Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers.

Bookings will close at 2 working days before the start date to allow for all participants to be enrolled to the online platform – bookings will not be taken after this time.  Bookings will close sooner if course capacity is reached

Who Should Attend? – QGIS is a technical subject and we particularly recommend this course content for working professionals or career starters. We will be limited to the amount of remote IT support we can provide. Tutor interaction is limited to the Zoom tutorials and course forums.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – A basic understanding of computer systems is needed for this course. This is a remote course designed for those who are happy in a self-led learning environment

Understand how our online courses are delivered.

Live Webinar Information

There are 4 webinars for this course, taking place at the end of each week. Please see the listing for the day and time.

Please note – webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the virtual learning platform for learners unable to attend.

Flavia Occhibove

Flavia has always been passionate about wildlife and the beauty of the earth’s diverse ecosystems. This took her on a long academic journey, which included several aspects of ecological research, and culminated in a PhD investigating the relationship between biodiversity conservation and wildlife zoonotic diseases. Since she enjoys her nerdy side, she specialised in eco-epidemiological modelling and regularly uses QGIS for her research (as well as for her lectures to undergrads). She is a supporter of open-source software. Currently, she is looking forward to start her second postdoc, after a great three years at UKCEH.

Eleri Kent

Eleri is a PhD student with a background in landscape ecology. She is currently researching the effects of landscape context on woodland use by bats at Stirling University, as part of which she regularly uses QGIS for data manipulation, mapping and analysis. Eleri also has a background in outdoor education which led to an interest in teaching and outreach.

Week 1: GIS03 - Introduction to Using QGIS
Self-study material available available at start date
Week 1 live webinar at end of week 1

Week 2: GIS04 - Building and Viewing Maps
Self-study material available after week 1 webinar
Week 2 live webinar at end of week 2

Week 3: GIS05 - Sourcing and Styling Map Layers and Presenting Maps
Self-study material available after week 2 webinar
Week 3 live webinar at the end of week 3

Week 4: GIS06 - Creating New Data
Self-study material available after week 3 webinar
Week 4 live webinar at the end of week 4

The final deadline to complete any outstanding activities and self-study components is 2 weeks after the final webinar

Time commitment: This course will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time each week. This includes covering course materials on our Moodle learning platform and the Zoom session.

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  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created to help you continue to build on your knowledge as the course progresses. With content crafted to the online Moodle Platform and bespoke to the Field Studies Council.

The course includes:

• 45-minute interactive Zoom workshops to connect with the tutor and other participants
• Personalised feedback on a marked assignment
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Activities to work on independently in advance of each Zoom workshop

Once registered, you will follow well-illustrated, user-friendly ’books’ to pick up knowledge. Quizzes and skill-checks will give you instant feedback on your learning. Forums give students the chance to interact with each other as well as a place to share work.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

For this course, you will need QGIS software before the course starts. This software is free to download. The latest release is always available from this web page. Please ensure you have a working version of QGIS before purchasing this course.

Accessing Your Course

• Once you sign up you’ll receive an email at least 24 hours in advance of the course opening with details of how to access our easy-to-use platform, Moodle.
• Moodle can be accessed through a browser or an app.
• Webinars are via Zoom so you won’t need any new software to attend

Recommended Devices

It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.