Title: Lesson 2: Introduction to QGIS
Course: Free and open source tools for GI-Science - GDAL, QGIS and ILWIS 386 > Section: Course Content

“QGIS (previously known as Quantum GIS) is a free and open-source cross-platform desktop geographic information system (GIS) application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of geospatial data. QGIS functions as geographic information system (GIS) software, allowing users to analyze and edit spatial information, in addition to composing and exporting graphical maps. QGIS supports both raster and vector layers”(Wikipedia)

In this lesson you will be introduced to the QGIS online resources and software. Furthermore the primer shows you how to conduct your spatial analysis using QGIS. During the exercise participants will work with raster and vector data as well as those available through web mapping services. The lesson ends with a case study dealing with a multi-criteria analysis  for locating photovoltaic power plants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Introduction

“QGIS (previously known as Quantum GIS) is a free and open-source cross-platform desktop geographic information system (GIS) application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of geospatial data. QGIS functions as geographic information system (GIS) software, allowing users to analyze and edit spatial information, in addition to composing and exporting graphical maps. QGIS supports both raster and vector layers;” (from Wikipedia)

Overall learning objectives

After following the video tutorials you should be able to install QGIS and:

- Use QGIS to visualize geographic information;
- Understand how QGIS works;

Prerequisites

Although the exercises are explained step by step it is a possibility you may get stuck. That is why it is important to remember to use all of the resources you have. It is also important to gain troubleshooting skills, as in the future you may have to learn other GIS software. For this, it is important to look at QGIS resources you may want to look at.

- Any time you need extra assistance, it is good to check the QGIS manual before seeking assistance from your instructor. The QGIS manual can be seen at: https://docs.qgis.org/testing/en/docs/user_manual/index.html.
- GIS Stack exchange is also an excellent resource for finding answers to GIS and QGIS specific questions: https://gis.stackexchange.com/;
- You may also be interested in subscribing the QGIS-Users mailing list: https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/qgis-user You can use the mailing list whenever you have doubts on how to conduct a specific if analysis or if you need help to troubleshoot a problem you are having.

Of course, your instructors are also here to help you, but knowing how solve problems by yourself is an important skill that you should cultivate! It may be good to visit those pages and bookmark them on your web browser for later use.

Task 1: Install QGIS

For this exercise we prepared a series of tutorial videos. Watch the videos and, when relevant, try to do some of the tasks shown in your own computer. Before you proceed to watch the videos, go the QGIS website, download, and install QGIS. If you have difficulties with the installation, the first minutes of the Introduction to QGIS video (see below), explain how to install.

The full document describing above step is also available from "here"

After you install QGIS, please watch the following videos in the same order as they are listed below:

- https://vimeo.com/showcase/5716094/video/358731776
- https://vimeo.com/showcase/5716094/video/314783704

Concluding Remarks

With what you learned from the tutorial videos, you should now be more prepared to follow the next exercise and execute the assignment that comes with it.

Task 2: Working with QGIS

Study and conduct the exercises described in the document entitled "Using QGIS (Part 2 – introduction to QGIS).pdf"

Most of the steps to be undertaken are illustrated with screenshots. Please note that what is depicted in the screenshot and what you see in your computer might differ slightly depending on the QGIS version that you are using and the way your toolbars and add-ons are arranged. Alongside the text you will see different icons.

Assignment:

The assignment for this lesson is described in the  document “Lesson2_QGIS_Assignment.pdf”. This assignment consists of creating a map composition of your (multi-criteria) results obtained. This document should be uploaded in the LMS.