Introduction to Mapmaking with QGIS

This workshop and resource provides an overview of mapmaking with QGIS, a free and open-source Geographic Information System for analyzing, modifying, and visualizing spatial data. By the end of this short overview, you will:

• Be able to identify different kinds of spatial data;
• Understand how GISs work and the advantages of using QGIS;
• Know when to use a reference map vs. a thematic map; and
• Be familiar with the QGIS interface.

The skills and concepts introduced by this resource are fundamental to mapmaking with QGIS. Reviewing this resource, either by attending this 1-hour facilitation or working through it on your own, is a prerequisite for attending any of the Research Commons’ GIS and Mapping workshops.

This workshop is designed for those with no experience using this software or GIS. It is taught by a graduate student in Geography with expertise in GIS and cartographic methods.

Workshop link: https://ubc-library-rc.github.io/gis-mapping-intro/

Things to do before arriving:

QGIS is a free and open source desktop geographic information system (GIS). It can be installed on Windows, MacOS, and Linux using the download instructions here: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html. This workshop will use the latest Long Term Release version. Please make sure you have this installed on your computer.