An Introduction to Open-Source Geographic Information Systems (GIS): QGIS

In general, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a framework for gathering, organizing, and analyzing spatial data, that is visualized through maps. By arranging spatial information into coincident layers, GIS analyses help reveal deeper insights into a study area by identifying not only where features of interest are located, but also why patterns or processes are occurring. However, a number of various GIS software and online mapping platforms exist, each with a different range of analysis capabilities, but also with different accessibility limitations in terms of user cost (e.g., open-source vs. commercial). In this introductory workshop, participants will become familiar with popular GIS platforms’ capabilities and limitations (e.g., Google, OpenStreetMap, ArcGIS Pro, Terrset), as well as gain experience in the open-source software, QGIS.