Python Training

Introduction to QGIS

This is a course for meteorologists, geoscientists, analysts and other scientific staff.

Prerequisites

Familiarity with programming concepts (in any language) is assumed.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will have all the knowledge you need to start working competently with QGIS for analysing and processing geospatial data and producing publication- quality maps

Course Syllabus

Session 1: Basic Geoprocessing with QGIS

Day 1 teaches the basics of using QGIS for general geoprocessing tasks:

  • Setting up / installing QGIS (optional)
  • Reading in spatial data (rasters and vectors)
  • Managing different raster and vector data formats
  • Projections in QGIS, specifying customised projections
  • Producing publication-quality maps in QGIS
  • Data editing
    • Adding layers / editing layers
    • Coordinate geometry, bearings and distances

Session 2: Extending QGIS

This day teaches you how to build upon the basics by using QGIS extensions to perform more advanced GIS tasks:

  • Advanced vector editing
  • Using the Raster Calculator
  • Georeferencing spatial data
  • The QGIS Processing module: a visual tool for chaining processes
    • Finding and using tools
    • Extending Processing with third-party applications
    • Linking Processes together in a Model
  • Working with QGIS extensions:
    • Finding and installing QGIS extensions
    • Extension configuration; enabling and disabling extensions
    • Key extensions in the QGIS ecosystem: LRS, QuickMapServices, QPackage

Personal help

We are happy to offer on-the-spot problem-solving after each day of the training for you to ask one-on-one questions — whether about the course content and exercises or about specific problems you face in your work and how to solve them. If you would like us to prepare for this in advance, you are welcome to send us background info before the course.

Other information

Format:

Courses are conducted online via live video meeting and using Python Charmers' cloud notebook server for sharing code with the trainer(s).

Computer:

Hardware: we recommend ≥ 8 GB of RAM and a webcam. Preferably also multiple screens and a quiet room (or headset mic).

Software: a modern browser: Chrome, Firefox, or Safari (not IE or Edge); and Zoom.

Timing:

Most courses will run from 9:00 to roughly 17:00 (AEST) each day, with breaks of 50 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes each for morning and afternoon tea.

Certificate of completion:

We will provide you a certificate if you complete the course and successfully answer the majority of the exercise questions.

Materials:

You will have access to all the course materials via the cloud server. We will also mail you cheat sheets and a USB stick with all the materials for reference.

Testimonials

“The course was delivered by trainers who were extremely knowledgeable in their field. It was really good to learn from the best!”

- Marius Roman

“Great course. Enjoyed it and will follow up with some practical implementation of some of the work.”

- Adam Grace

“One of the best training courses I've been on.”

- David Scurrah

“I loved it. Ed was inspiring.”

- Onoriode Coast

“Really impressed by Python's capability and excited to use as alternative to MatLab, as is free and better supported.”

- Carsten Hofmann

“Very comprehensive intro to every aspect of python. Highly qualified trainer. Beyond my expectation on every aspect.”

- Baichuan Sun

“The VM setup and USB is great. Ed is an excellent instructor - he presents well and welcomes any questions. He is clearly a super smart guy who has a great grasp on what he is teaching - able to just prototype on the fly and the course overall really opened my eyes to python.”

- Jack Hendy

“Course content was well presented and easily digested. Practical exercises were an essential part of the course – a good ratio of lecture/play was achieved. Well done Ed and Henry!”

- Steve Zegelin

“Simply awesome!!”

- James Park

“Both Ed and Henry presented well…. The course structure was adjusted to suit the participants quickly and easily.”

- Jenet Austin

“Excellent training course, excellently presented. Perhaps the best that I have had in the area of IT / programming.”

- George Grozev

“One of the best programming courses I have attended - thanks!”

- Giant Billen

“This course has shown me how I could have done the work I was doing just last week 10x more efficiently in Python.”

- Maruf Rahman

“It was a pleasure ... Shared feedback from all involved was that it’s been one of the most beneficial and well delivered training courses we’ve been a part of.”

- Dylan Matthews

“Was the most fulfilling and rewarding class I have taken since "general relativity" at uni. Was extremely well run. Excellent all round!”

- Dr Millicent Maier

“Very impressed with the course, delivery. And depth of knowledge of Ed and Henry. Far exceeded my expectations and has greatly improved my core skills as well as inspired so many new ideas for my current work / projects. Thank you!”

- Kelsey Druken