Introduction to QGIS and Spatial Data Analysis Workflows (IQGI01)
Learn QGIS and spatial data analysis workflows. Practical online training in mapping, GIS, and spatial data processing.
Duration: 2 Days, 3 hours per day
Next Date: October 20 - 21, 2026
Format: Live Online Format
UK (GMT) local time - All sessions will be recorded and made available to ensure accessibility for attendees across different time zones.
£250Registration Fee
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- Overview
- Instructors
- Schedule
Course Description
This two half day workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to QGIS and spatial data analysis, equipping researchers with the essential skills to handle and visualize spatial data effectively. Participants will gain practical experience in data importation, map creation, and analysis techniques, empowering them to enhance their research insights with compelling spatial visualizations. No prior knowledge of GIS in needed and by the end of the workshop, attendees will have the confidence to utilise QGIS in their own research projects, thereby unlocking new possibilities for data analysis and visualization.
If you already have basic GIS knowledge, you might be interested in Advanced Spatial Data Analysis and GIS workflows in R (IRGI01)
Other relevant and useful FREE courses can be found HERE
What You’ll Learn
- Familiarisation with the QGIS interface
- How to load and explore vector and raster data
- Conducting data joins and field calculations
- Basic data classification strategies
- Preparing data for analysis and map creation
- Designing publication-ready maps with legends, scale bars, and other elements
- Understanding and applying basic map styling techniques
Course Format
Interactive Learning Format
Each day features a well-balanced combination of lectures and hands-on practical exercises, with dedicated time for discussing participants’ own data, time permitting.
Global Accessibility
All live sessions are recorded and made available on the same day, ensuring accessibility for participants across different time zones.
Collaborative Discussions
Open discussion sessions provide an opportunity for participants to explore specific research questions and engage with instructors and peers.
Comprehensive Course Materials
All code, datasets, and presentation slides used during the course will be shared with participants by the instructor.
Personalized Data Engagement
Participants are encouraged to bring their own data for discussion and practical application during the course.
Post-Course Support
Participants will receive continued support via email for 30 days following the course, along with on-demand access to session recordings for the same period.
Who Should Attend / Intended Audiences
This course is ideal for anyone who wishes to use spatial data in their role, including researchers, students and anyone who has data with some spatial information (e.g. address, postcode, etc.) which they wish to show on a map. It is also suitable for those who wish to have an overview of what GIS and spatial data can be used for. The course covers some key theoretical concepts, with the bulk of the time spent on practical applications. All mapping will be performed using QGIS (https://qgis.org/). Instructors will provide datasets for the practical sessions, although participants are encouraged to bring their own data. This course requires no prior knowledge of GIS or spatial data. A level of basic computer experience is required.
Equipment and Software requirements
A laptop or desktop computer with a functioning installation of QGIS is required. QGIS is a free, open-source program compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It will be very useful to have an external mouse, ideally with a mouse wheel, available to use. You can work with a trackpad, but an external mouse is much easier to work with.
A working webcam is recommended to support interactive elements of the course. We encourage participants to keep their cameras on during live Zoom sessions to foster a more engaging and collaborative environment.
While not essential, using a large monitor—or ideally a dual-monitor setup—can significantly enhance your learning experience by allowing you to view course materials and work in R simultaneously.
Dr. Nick Bearman
Nick Bearman is a geospatial data scientist and GIS specialist with extensive experience in spatial analysis, data visualisation, and applied geospatial training. His work focuses on helping organisations and researchers make better decisions through the effective use of spatial data, combining technical expertise with a strong emphasis on communication and usability.
His core expertise includes Geographical Information Systems (GIS), spatial data visualisation, accessibility modelling, and the development of interactive mapping solutions. Nick has worked across a wide range of sectors, including public health, transport, retail, and environmental management, applying spatial analysis to real-world challenges.
Nick is the Director of Geospatial Training Solutions, where he delivers professional training in GIS, QGIS, and spatial data analysis. He is also actively involved in the wider geospatial community, contributing to training standards and supporting capacity building in open-source GIS.
Education & Career
- Director, Geospatial Training Solutions
· Certified QGIS Trainer (QGIS Certification Programme)
· Extensive experience delivering GIS and spatial data training internationally
· Background in geography and spatial data science
Research & Professional Focus
Nick’s work centres on applied spatial analysis and improving how organisations use geographic data. He specialises in translating complex spatial workflows into accessible, practical tools for decision-making, with particular strengths in accessibility modelling and geospatial visualisation.
Current Work
- Delivery of GIS and QGIS training courses for professional and academic audiences
· Development of spatial data workflows and mapping solutions
· Consultancy in accessibility analysis and geospatial decision support
Professional Consultancy
Nick works with public and private sector organisations to develop spatial data strategies, build analytical capacity, and implement GIS solutions. His consultancy spans transport planning, health accessibility, and location-based analysis.
Teaching & Skills
- Specialist in GIS, QGIS, and spatial data analysis
· Experienced trainer in applied geospatial workflows and visualisation
· Strong focus on reproducible analysis and effective communication of spatial data
· Advocate for open-source geospatial tools and best practices
Links
Session 1 – 01:30:00 – Getting started with QGIS: Loading and Exploring Spatial Data
- Understanding GIS Fundamentals
- Exploring QGIS Interface
- Basic Spatial Data Concepts
- Loading Vector Data
- Raster Data Overview
Session 2 – 01:30:00 – Data Analysis in QGIS: Joins, Calculations and Classifications
- Data Import Techniques
- Conducting Data Joins
- Field Calculations
- Data Classification Basics
- Handling Spatial Layers
Session 3 – 01:30:00 – Data Preparation and Basic Map Styling in QGIS
- Data Import and Preparation
- Making Use of Existing Styles
- Creating a Map Layout
Session 4 – 01:30:00 – Creating Publication-Ready Map Layouts in QGIS
- Customising the Map Layout
- Adding a Legend
- Adding a Scale Bar and North Arrow
- Exporting your Map
- Utilising Your Own Data
- Addressing Common Challenges
- Interactive web maps with R
Testimonials
PR Stats offers a great lineup of courses on statistical and analytical methods that are super relevant for ecologists and biologists. My lab and I have taken several of their courses—like Bayesian mixing models, time series analysis, and machine/deep learning—and we've found them very informative and directly useful for our work. I often recommend PR Stats to my students and colleagues as a great way to brush up on or learn new R-based statistical skills.
Rolando O. Santos
PhD Assistant Professor, Florida International University
Courses attended
SIMM05, IMDL03, ITSA02, GEEE01 and MOVE07
Testimonials
PR Stats provided excellent training in stable isotope analysis through the SIMMPR course, which was incredibly valuable for my research. I was fortunate to attend the course through a generous fee waiver, which directly supported my work and enabled me to develop skills that contributed to my recent publication on reservoir food webs in Sri Lanka. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and support, and would highly recommend their courses to others working in ecological research.
Subodha Silva
Aquatic Ecology Researcher
Courses attended
SIMMPR
Testimonials
PR Stats has become an invaluable part of developing my skills in advanced statistical and spatial analysis. Through training in areas such as Bayesian statistics and Species Distribution Modelling, I’ve gained both practical expertise and exposure to leading experts in the field. The impact on my research has been significant with at least four of my published papers have been directly influenced by PR Stats courses. My most recent work benefitted from modelling advice on sample design and model accuracy evaluation and can be seen here.
Carlos P.E. Bedson
Quantitative Spatial Ecology, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Courses attended
ADVR08, ENMR03, BMIN02, ISBD01, BADA01, SDMB06
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
When will I receive instructions on how to join?
You’ll receive an email on the Friday before the course begins, with full instructions on how to join via Zoom. Please ensure you have Zoom installed in advance.
Do I need administrator rights on my computer?
I’m attending the course live — will I also get access to the session recordings?
I can’t attend every live session — can I join some sessions live and catch up on others later?
I’m in a different time zone and plan to follow the course via recordings. When will these be available?
I can’t attend live — how can I ask questions?
Will I receive a certificate?
When will I receive instructions on how to join?
You’ll receive an email on the Friday before the course begins, with full instructions on how to join via Zoom. Please ensure you have Zoom installed in advance.
Do I need administrator rights on my computer?
I’m attending the course live — will I also get access to the session recordings?
I can’t attend every live session — can I join some sessions live and catch up on others later?
I’m in a different time zone and plan to follow the course via recordings. When will these be available?
I can’t attend live — how can I ask questions?
Will I receive a certificate?
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