Practical GIS Training with ArcGIS & QGIS

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COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to provide hands-on experience in using two of the most popular GIS software platforms: ArcGIS and QGIS. Through practical exercises, learners will gain proficiency in mapping, spatial analysis, data management, and geospatial analysis techniques. The course integrates the strengths of both proprietary (ArcGIS) and open-source (QGIS) GIS software to provide a well-rounded GIS skillset.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
✅ Be proficient in using ArcGIS and QGIS for spatial data analysis and mapping.
✅ Understand the differences and similarities between ArcGIS and QGIS, making them versatile in both platforms.
✅ Have the ability to process and analyze both vector and raster data.
✅ Be capable of managing GIS data using databases and geospatial tools.
✅ Understand how to perform advanced GIS tasks like geocoding, georeferencing, and spatial analysis.
- Computer
Curriculum
- 8 Sections
- 51 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Week 1: Introduction to Remote Sensing and GISIn this foundational week, you'll be introduced to the core concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). You'll explore the distinction between spatial and non-spatial data and gain an understanding of vector and raster data types. Key topics such as coordinate systems, projections, and the essential differences between ArcGIS and QGIS will also be covered. You'll set up both ArcGIS and QGIS, familiarizing yourself with their interfaces and functionalities, laying the groundwork for your GIS journey.5
- Week 2: Data Visualization and Mapping Techniquesyou'll dive into the art of map creation and data visualization. Learn how to build simple maps using both ArcGIS and QGIS, adding layers and customizing symbology to bring your data to life. You'll also explore labeling features and working with layer properties to enhance map clarity. This week also covers map design best practices, including creating layouts and print templates in both platforms, and how to export your maps for professional reports and presentations.8
- 2.1Adding Layers and Symbology in QGIS5 Minutes
- 2.2Labeling Features6 Minutes
- 2.3Creating Simple Maps5 Minutes
- 2.4Print Layouts – Working with Layer Properties and Legends15 Minutes
- 2.5ArcGIS: Adding Layers and Symbology5 Minutes
- 2.6ArcGIS: Creating Simple Maps2 Minutes
- 2.7ArcGIS: Labeling Features4 Minutes
- 2.8ArcGIS: Layouts – Working with Layer Properties and Legends7 Minutes
- Week 3: Working with Vector DataThis week focuses on mastering vector data, which forms the backbone of many GIS tasks. In ArcGIS, you'll learn how to add and edit shapefiles and geodatabases, digitize points, lines, and polygons, and manage attribute data. You'll also explore spatial joins and relates to combine datasets effectively. In QGIS, you'll work with shapefiles, edit vector layers, and manage attribute tables, with a focus on techniques like buffering and clipping to analyze spatial relationships and refine your data.7
- 3.1QGIS: Shapefiles in QGIS13 Minutes
- 3.2QGIS: Digitizing and Editing Layers 112 Minutes
- 3.3QGIS: Digitizing and Editing Layers 213 Minutes
- 3.4QGIS: Digitizing and Editing Layers 38 Minutes
- 3.5QGIS: Advanced Digitizing and Editing 16 Minutes
- 3.6QGIS: QGIS: Advanced Digitizing and Editing 27 Minutes
- 3.7QGIS: Advanced Digitizing and Editing 33 Minutes
- Week 4: Working with Vector Data 2This week focuses on mastering vector data, which forms the backbone of many GIS tasks. In ArcGIS, you'll learn how to add and edit shapefiles and geodatabases, digitize points, lines, and polygons, and manage attribute data. You'll also explore spatial joins and relates to combine datasets effectively. In QGIS, you'll work with shapefiles, edit vector layers, and manage attribute tables, with a focus on techniques like buffering and clipping to analyze spatial relationships and refine your data.7
- 4.1QGIS: Attribute Table Management12 Minutes
- 4.2QGIS: Extract Vector Data.8 Minutes
- 4.3QGIS: Buffering and Clipping Vector Data15 Minutes
- 4.4ArcGIS: Creating Shapefiles and Geodatabases7 Minutes
- 4.5ArcGIS: Digitizing Features (Points, Lines, Polygons)12 Minutes
- 4.6ArcGIS: Editing Attribute Data7 Minutes
- 4.7ArcGIS: Data In Geodatabase5 Minutes
- Week 5: Raster Data and Image ProcessingIn Week 5, you'll explore the powerful capabilities of raster data and image processing in GIS. In ArcGIS, you'll learn to add raster layers, perform raster analysis (including reclassification, overlay, and slicing), and extract valuable data from raster layers. You'll also work with Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for terrain analysis. In QGIS, you'll focus on raster layer management, basic raster analysis techniques like reclassification and resampling, and interpolation methods. Additionally, you'll gain hands-on experience working with satellite imagery to enhance your geospatial analysis.9
- 5.1Raster Data Acquisition9 Minutes
- 5.2QGIS: Adding Raster Layers4 Minutes
- 5.3QGIS: Merge images5 Minutes
- 5.4QGIS: Extracting Data from Raster Layers7 Minutes
- 5.5QGIS: Basic Raster Analysis9 Minutes
- 5.6ArcGIS: Open Raster Data in ArcMap4 Minutes
- 5.7ArcGIS: Mosaic Raster Data6 Minutes
- 5.8ArcGIS: Projection and Transformation9 Minutes
- 5.9ArcGIS: Creating Area of Interest (AOI)5 Minutes
- Week 6: Geospatial Analysis & Raster Image ProcessingThis week delves into advanced geospatial analysis techniques in both ArcGIS and QGIS. In ArcGIS, you'll explore buffer and overlay analysis, network analysis, and proximity analysis to uncover spatial relationships and patterns. In QGIS, you'll learn how to conduct spatial queries and analysis, utilize the powerful Processing Toolbox for data manipulation, and perform raster calculations and zonal statistics. Additionally, you'll gain skills in topological analysis, enabling you to assess spatial integrity and connectivity within your datasets8
- 6.1Raster Analysis (Reclassification, Overlay, Slicing)10 Minutes
- 6.2Working with DEMs (Digital Elevation Models)7 Minutes
- 6.3Raster Data Conversion8 Minutes
- 6.4Overlay Analysis2 Minutes
- 6.5Buffer Analysis8 Minutes
- 6.6Performing Proximity Analysis6 Minutes
- 6.7Spatial Queries and Analysis17 Minutes
- 6.8Using the Processing Toolbox12 Minutes
- Week 7: Geocoding, Georeferencing, and GPS DataWeek 7: Geocoding, Georeferencing, and GPS Data This week focuses on the key GIS techniques of geocoding, georeferencing, and working with GPS data. In ArcGIS, you'll learn how to convert addresses into point data, utilize online geocoding services, and georeference scanned maps to align them with GIS data, including rectifying images and rasters. In QGIS, you'll explore using OpenStreetMap for geocoding and georeferencing historical maps. Additionally, you'll gain hands-on experience with importing and processing GPS data, enabling you to work with real-world location data for more precise analysis.7
- Week 8: Final Project and Real-World ApplicationIn the final week, you'll apply the skills you've learned throughout the course to tackle a real-world GIS problem. Choose a relevant project such as land-use mapping, environmental monitoring, or urban planning, and use ArcGIS, QGIS, or both tools to conduct the analysis and create maps. You'll also focus on effectively presenting your results, learning how to export and share your maps through online platforms or print, ensuring your GIS outputs are communicated clearly and professionally.0

Hashimu
👋 Welcome to My Learning Space!
I’m Hashimu Misanya, a passionate Data Scientist, GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist, and an educator dedicated to empowering individuals with practical skills in Geospatial Analysis, Data Science, and Remote Sensing.
As the founder of Hashdatax, I provide hands-on training, consultation services, and learning resources to help professionals and students master tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, Python for GIS, and Remote Sensing applications.
With a strong background in data analysis, mapping, and spatial decision-making, I aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through this platform, I share comprehensive tutorials, interactive courses, and expert guidance to help learners excel in their careers.
🚀 Join me in exploring the power of GIS, Data Science, and Remote Sensing!
🔗 Visit my website: hashdatax.com
📩 Let's connect and grow together!
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