syllabus

🗺️ Module 2: QGIS Desktop GIS

Duration: October 27 - November 2, 2025 (7 days)
Due Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST
Status: ✅ All materials released

📊 View Module Status 💬 QGIS Discussions ❓ Q&A

Overview

Welcome to Module 2! This module introduces QGIS, the leading open source desktop GIS application. If you’re coming from an ESRI/ArcGIS background (like most students in this course), you’ll find QGIS familiar yet refreshingly powerful—and completely free.

You’ll learn fundamental desktop GIS workflows including data management, coordinate reference systems, spatial analysis operations, and professional cartographic output. These skills transfer across all desktop GIS platforms and form the foundation for more advanced spatial analysis in later modules.

By the end of this module, you’ll be comfortable performing core GIS tasks in QGIS and ready to recommend it as a viable alternative to commercial desktop GIS software.

Why This Matters: QGIS is used by governments, NGOs, and private companies worldwide. Proficiency with QGIS demonstrates versatility and makes you valuable in organizations that can’t afford expensive software licenses. Many employers specifically seek candidates with multi-platform GIS skills.

🎯 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Navigate the QGIS interface and manage spatial data layers
  2. Apply coordinate reference system transformations and projections
  3. Execute spatial analysis operations (buffers, intersections, spatial joins)
  4. Create professional cartographic outputs with symbology and labeling
  5. Export maps and data for client deliverables
  6. Evaluate when to use desktop GIS vs. other spatial analysis tools
  7. Implement efficient data management workflows in QGIS

🎥 Video Lectures

  1. Video 1: QGIS Introduction - Interface overview, installation, basic navigation
  2. Video 2: M2A1 Introduction - Fundamentals & Data Management walkthrough
  3. Video 3: M2A2 Introduction - Analysis & Professional Output walkthrough

Note: Video slides will be added to the course slides page as they become available.

📝 Activities

Total Participation Points: 3 points

Activity 1: QGIS in the Real World (1.5 points)

Duration: 20-30 minutes
Location: GitHub Discussions - QGIS Activity Discussions

Discover how organizations use QGIS in professional contexts. Share an example of real-world QGIS usage (government, nonprofit, research, or private sector) and discuss what makes QGIS suitable for that application.

Activity 2: QGIS Experience Poll (0.5 points)

Duration: 5 minutes
Location: GitHub Discussions - QGIS Polls

Complete polls about your desktop GIS experience, comfort level with QGIS vs. ArcGIS, and learning concerns. This helps the instructor understand class needs and allows you to see peer baselines.

Activity 3: QGIS Progress Checkpoint (1.0 point)

Duration: 10-15 minutes
Location: GitHub Discussions - QGIS Activity Discussions

Mid-module check-in to share progress, challenges, and tips with classmates. This collaborative troubleshooting helps everyone succeed and builds peer support.

📚 Assignments

Total Assignment Points: 40 points

All assignments are submitted via D2L. See D2L for detailed instructions and submission requirements.

M2A1: QGIS Fundamentals & Data Management (20 points)

Duration: 4-5 hours
Submit via: D2L Assignment Folder

Master QGIS basics: interface navigation, data loading, layer management, coordinate reference systems, and basic symbology. Create a multi-layer map showing proper data organization and CRS handling.

Skills: QGIS interface, data import/export, CRS transformations, basic cartography

Deliverable: Screenshot of completed map + written responses about data management decisions

M2A2: QGIS Analysis & Professional Output (20 points)

Duration: 5-6 hours
Submit via: D2L Assignment Folder

Execute spatial analysis workflows and create professional map layouts. Perform buffer analysis, spatial joins, attribute queries, and produce a polished map layout suitable for client delivery.

Skills: Spatial analysis tools, geoprocessing, advanced symbology, map composition, layout design

Deliverable: Exported map PDF + written analysis explaining methodology and results

🗓️ Suggested Pacing

This module runs for 7 days. Here’s a suggested schedule:

Monday-Tuesday (Oct 27-28):

Wednesday-Thursday (Oct 29-30):

Friday-Sunday (Oct 31 - Nov 2):

💡 Tips for Success

  1. Install QGIS Early: Download from qgis.org - use Long Term Release (LTR) version for stability
  2. Practice Interface Navigation: Spend time exploring menus and toolbars before diving into assignments
  3. Save Often: QGIS project files (.qgz) save your layer organization and symbology
  4. Watch for CRS Issues: Always check coordinate reference systems when adding new data
  5. Use Processing Toolbox: The Processing menu contains most geoprocessing tools
  6. Screenshot Everything: Assignments require screenshots, so capture your work as you go

📞 Getting Help

🔧 Required Software

QGIS Version: 3.28+ (Long Term Release recommended)
Download: https://qgis.org/download/
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Installation Help: See QGIS installation video on D2L if you encounter issues.

✅ Module Completion Checklist

All Module 2 work due: Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST

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