QGIS Laboratory 1: Introduction to Open Source GIS

First Steps with QGIS

gis
qgis
laboratory
open-source
beginner
Introduction to QGIS interface and fundamental GIS operations
Author

pedromartinezduran

Published

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Modified

Sunday, August 10, 2025

1 Laboratory Overview

This laboratory introduces you to QGIS (Quantum GIS), a powerful open-source Geographic Information System. You will learn to navigate the interface, manage spatial data, and perform basic GIS analysis operations.

1.1 Learning Objectives

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

  • Navigate the QGIS user interface
  • Load and display vector and raster data
  • Use the attribute table and selection tools
  • Apply symbology and create thematic maps
  • Perform basic spatial queries and analysis
  • Create and export map compositions

1.2 Prerequisites

  • QGIS 3.x installed on your system
  • Basic understanding of GIS concepts
  • Sample datasets (provided)

2 Getting Started with QGIS

2.1 Exercise 1: QGIS Interface Exploration

2.1.1 Step 1: Launch QGIS

  1. Open QGIS from your applications menu
  2. Familiarize yourself with the startup screen
  3. Create a new project

2.1.2 Step 2: Interface Components

Explore the main interface elements:

  • Menu Bar: Access to all QGIS functions
  • Toolbars: Quick access to common tools
  • Layers Panel: Manages map layers
  • Map Canvas: Displays spatial data
  • Status Bar: Shows coordinate information

3 Data Loading and Management

3.1 Exercise 2: Adding Vector Data

3.1.1 Loading Shapefiles

  1. Use “Layer” → “Add Layer” → “Add Vector Layer”
  2. Browse and select sample shapefiles:
    • Administrative boundaries
    • Road network
    • Point locations (cities, facilities)

3.1.2 Data Source Manager

  1. Open the Data Source Manager (Ctrl+L)
  2. Explore different data source options
  3. Add data from various formats

3.2 Exercise 3: Adding Raster Data

3.2.1 Loading Raster Layers

  1. Add raster data (satellite imagery, DEM)
  2. Explore raster properties
  3. Adjust display settings and transparency

3.2.2 Coordinate Reference Systems

  1. Check layer CRS information
  2. Understand project CRS settings
  3. Reproject layers if necessary

4 Data Exploration and Visualization

4.1 Exercise 4: Attribute Tables and Selection

4.1.1 Working with Attributes

  1. Open attribute tables for vector layers
  2. Sort and filter data
  3. Calculate new fields using the field calculator

4.1.2 Selection Tools

  1. Select features by clicking
  2. Select by expression
  3. Select by location
  4. Invert and clear selections

4.2 Exercise 5: Symbology and Styling

4.2.1 Single Symbol Rendering

  1. Change layer colors and symbols
  2. Adjust symbol size and transparency
  3. Apply different marker types

4.2.2 Categorized Styling

  1. Create thematic maps based on attributes
  2. Use different classification methods
  3. Customize color schemes

4.2.3 Graduated Symbols

  1. Create choropleth maps
  2. Apply graduated symbol sizing
  3. Adjust classification breaks

5 Basic Spatial Analysis

5.1 Exercise 6: Measurement and Basic Tools

5.1.1 Measurement Tools

  1. Measure distances and areas
  2. Use the identify tool for feature information
  3. Create measurement layers

5.1.2 Basic Geoprocessing

  1. Create buffers around features
  2. Perform spatial joins
  3. Clip layers by extent

5.2 Exercise 7: Spatial Queries

5.2.1 Query Builder

  1. Build attribute queries
  2. Use SQL expressions
  3. Save and load queries

5.2.2 Spatial Relationships

  1. Select features by location
  2. Understand spatial predicates
  3. Combine spatial and attribute queries

6 Map Composition and Output

6.1 Exercise 8: Print Layout

6.1.1 Creating a Map Layout

  1. Open the Print Layout designer
  2. Add a map item to the layout
  3. Configure map extent and scale

6.1.2 Layout Elements

  1. Add title and text elements
  2. Insert legend and scale bar
  3. Add north arrow and grid
  4. Include data source information

6.1.3 Export Options

  1. Export as PDF
  2. Export as image (PNG, JPEG)
  3. Configure export settings

7 Advanced Features Preview

7.1 Exercise 9: Plugin Exploration

7.1.1 Plugin Manager

  1. Access the Plugin Manager
  2. Browse available plugins
  3. Install useful plugins for beginners

7.1.2 Processing Toolbox

  1. Open the Processing Toolbox
  2. Explore available algorithms
  3. Run a simple processing tool

8 Summary and Assessment

8.1 What You’ve Accomplished

  • Mastered QGIS interface navigation
  • Loaded and visualized spatial data
  • Applied styling and symbology
  • Performed basic spatial analysis
  • Created professional map layouts

8.2 Key QGIS Advantages

  • Open Source: Free and community-driven
  • Cross-platform: Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
  • Extensible: Rich plugin ecosystem
  • Standards-compliant: Supports OGC standards
  • Active Development: Regular updates and improvements

8.3 Next Steps

In the next laboratory, you will explore: - Advanced geoprocessing workflows - Spatial analysis techniques - Database connectivity - Custom styling and expressions - Automation with Python scripting

8.4 Resources

8.5 Troubleshooting Tips

8.5.1 Common Issues

  • Data not displaying: Check CRS compatibility
  • Slow performance: Reduce layer complexity or use spatial indexing
  • Plugin errors: Update QGIS and plugins to latest versions
  • Export problems: Check file permissions and disk space

8.5.2 Getting Help

  • QGIS documentation and help system
  • Community forums and mailing lists
  • Stack Exchange GIS community
  • Local GIS user groups

8.6 Submission Requirements

Please submit the following: 1. QGIS project file (.qgz format) 2. Final map composition (PDF) 3. Screenshots of key exercises 4. Brief reflection on QGIS vs proprietary GIS software (1-2 paragraphs)

Due Date: As specified by your instructor

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