Practical Applications of GIS

Training Session: Using QGIS for Urban Planning

Duration: 3 hours

Objective:
This training session aims to introduce participants to the use of QGIS for urban planning tasks, including data visualisation, spatial analysis, and decision-making processes related to urban growth, infrastructure, and zoning. Participants will learn how to leverage QGIS tools to analyse urban spaces and improve urban planning strategies.

Agenda

Introduction to QGIS (30 minutes)

• Overview of QGIS: Brief introduction to QGIS interface, tools, and functionalities.
• Setting up a project: Demonstrating how to create a new project, load data layers (shapefiles, raster files, etc.), and configure map views.
• Basic Navigation: Zooming, panning, and using coordinate reference systems in QGIS.

Session 1: Urban Data Visualisation (45 minutes)

• Importing Urban Data: How to import GIS data relevant to urban planning, such as zoning maps, land use, transportation infrastructure, and population density.
• Symbolising and Styling Data: Demonstrating how to apply styles (colours, labels, and patterns) to various urban features for clear visualisation.
• Using Aerial Imagery and Basemaps: Layering and configuring satellite imagery or OpenStreetMap basemaps to support urban analysis.

Session 2: Urban Spatial Analysis (60 minutes)

• Buffer Analysis for Infrastructure: How to create buffers around roads, utilities, or parks to analyse their proximity and influence on urban planning decisions.
• Density Mapping: Analysing population or building density in certain areas of a city to identify overcrowded or underdeveloped regions.
• Land Use Analysis: Using QGIS tools to overlay land use data with zoning or development plans to identify conflicts or potential areas for growth.
• Suitability Analysis for New Developments: Demonstrating the process of creating a suitability model for selecting the best sites for new housing or commercial developments based on factors like proximity to roads, water supply, and green spaces.

Session 3: Scenario Modelling and Planning (30 minutes)

• Urban Expansion Modelling: Using tools like raster calculator to simulate future urban growth and understand how changes to infrastructure affect the city.
• Impact Assessment: Demonstrating how to model the environmental and social impacts of potential developments using spatial analysis tools (e.g., identifying flood-prone areas for new construction).

Session 4: Sharing and Presenting Results (15 minutes)

• Creating Layouts: How to design printable map layouts for reports, including adding titles, legends, scale bars, and north arrows.
• Exporting Data: How to export maps and results to formats such as PDF, SVG, or image files.
• Publishing Web Maps: Introduction to publishing maps on the web using QGIS and web mapping tools (such as QGIS Server or QField).

Wrap-Up (15 minutes)

• Q&A Session: Open floor for questions, clarifications, and feedback.
• Suggested Resources: Provide a list of resources, tutorials, and further reading materials for continued learning.

Requirements

• Software: QGIS installed on participants' computers (version 3.x or higher).
• Data: Sample urban planning data (e.g., shapefiles for zoning, land use, population density, infrastructure, etc.) will be provided prior to the training.
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of GIS concepts or prior use of GIS software is recommended but not required.

This session will provide a hands-on, practical introduction to using QGIS for urban planning, allowing participants to apply GIS tools to real-world urban scenarios.

Training Session: Using QGIS for Environmental Management

Duration: 3 hours

Objective:
This session will introduce participants to how QGIS can be utilised in environmental management tasks, focusing on data analysis, monitoring, and decision-making processes related to conservation, resource management, and environmental protection. Participants will learn to use QGIS to analyse spatial data, assess environmental impacts, and visualise critical information for effective environmental management.

Agenda

Introduction to QGIS (30 minutes)

• Overview of QGIS: Quick introduction to the QGIS interface, basic tools, and key features relevant to environmental management.
• Setting up a Project: Creating a new project, importing environmental data layers (e.g., land use, vegetation, water bodies), and configuring map views for analysis.
• Navigating and Exploring Data: Techniques for zooming, panning, and exploring the spatial data.

Session 1: Mapping Environmental Data (45 minutes)

• Importing Environmental Data: How to load environmental datasets such as vegetation cover, water bodies, forest areas, and pollution levels.
• Visualising Environmental Layers: Demonstrating the process of symbolising environmental data using colour gradients, transparency, and classifications to enhance interpretation.
• Using Satellite Imagery: Layering satellite imagery for detailed analysis of natural resources and environmental features.

Session 2: Spatial Analysis for Environmental Management (60 minutes)

• Buffer Analysis for Environmental Impact: Creating buffers around key environmental features like rivers, wetlands, or protected areas to assess potential environmental impacts.
• Identifying Protected Areas: Using QGIS to map and analyse conservation zones, national parks, and protected areas to assess their boundaries and connectivity.
• Suitability Mapping for Conservation: How to conduct suitability analysis for identifying areas for conservation efforts, like wildlife corridors or potential sites for habitat restoration.
• Pollution and Environmental Hazard Mapping: Analysing and mapping pollution sources such as air quality, industrial emissions, or hazardous waste sites.

Session 3: Environmental Risk Assessment and Modelling (30 minutes)

• Flood Risk Mapping: Using digital elevation models (DEMs) to identify flood-prone areas and analyse the potential impact of flooding on ecosystems and human settlements.
• Erosion Risk Assessment: Using spatial analysis to assess areas at high risk of soil erosion and land degradation due to human activities or climate change.
• Climate Change Impacts: Modelling and visualising the potential effects of climate change on different environmental factors such as vegetation or water resources.

Session 4: Reporting and Presenting Environmental Data (15 minutes)

• Creating Maps for Reports: How to create professional, clear, and informative maps for environmental management reports.
• Adding Layouts and Annotations: Demonstrating the process of adding titles, legends, scale bars, and other map elements to produce an effective final product.
• Exporting and Sharing Data: Exporting maps to different formats (PDF, SVG, image files) and sharing results with stakeholders or decision-makers.

Wrap-Up (15 minutes)

• Q&A Session: Open forum for questions, clarifications, and discussion of real-world applications.
• Further Resources: Providing additional resources, tutorials, and links for further learning in GIS and environmental management.

Requirements

• Software: QGIS installed on participants' computers (version 3.x or higher).
• Data: Sample environmental datasets will be provided, including land use, vegetation, water bodies, and pollution data.
• Prerequisites: A basic understanding of GIS concepts will be helpful, though not required.

This session will equip participants with the skills to use QGIS for effective environmental management, focusing on spatial analysis, monitoring, and decision-making to support sustainability and conservation efforts.