Modules

Modules#

The learning modules form the core of the GIS Training Resource Center. They provide structured training material for learning QGIS and GIS concepts in a humanitarian context, guiding participants from basic concepts to more advanced spatial analysis workflows.

Each module combines theoretical explanations, step-by-step tutorials, and practical exercises. The modules can be used sequentially in a training course or individually for self-learning. Together they build the foundational GIS skills required for humanitarian mapping, analysis, and decision-making.

Below you can find an overview of all available modules and their main topics.

Module 1 — Introduction to GIS

Learn the fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems and become familiar with the QGIS environment.

Contents

  • What is GIS?

  • Setting up QGIS

  • Getting started with QGIS

  • QGIS interface and basic navigation

  • Introduction exercises

../Module_1/en_module_1_overview
Module 2 — Working with Geodata

Understand how geospatial data is structured and how it can be accessed and managed in QGIS.

Contents

  • Introduction to geodata and layers

  • Coordinate reference systems and projections

  • Geodata management and file structures

  • Working with attribute tables

  • Finding and accessing data sources

  • Using basemaps in QGIS

  • Practical exercises on geodata handling

../Module_2/en_module_2_overview.html
Module 3 — Basic GIS Operations

Apply fundamental GIS techniques to create, edit, and analyse spatial data.

Contents

  • Digitising geospatial features

  • Feature selection and spatial queries

  • Geodata classification

  • Georeferencing raster maps

  • Hands-on exercises for core GIS operations

../Module_3/en_module_3_overview
Module 4 — Visualisation and Map Making

Learn how to design effective maps and visualise geospatial information for communication and decision-making.

Contents

  • Symbology and colour schemes

  • Styling vector and raster datasets

  • Labels and annotation

  • Exporting and importing map styles

  • Print layout and map composition

  • Good map design and common cartographic errors

  • Operational mapping tutorials and exercises

../content/Module_4/en_module_4_overview.html
Module 5 — Intermediate GIS Operations

Extend your GIS skills with more advanced spatial processing techniques.

Contents

  • Spatial data processing workflows

  • Overlay operations (clip, dissolve, buffer)

  • Centroid calculations

  • Non-spatial processing and attribute operations

  • Practice exercises for intermediate GIS analysis

../content/Module_5/en_module_5_overview.html
Module 6 — Data Analysis with QGIS

Use GIS to perform spatial analyses and support evidence-based decision-making.

Contents

  • Analytical workflows in QGIS

  • Spatial analysis concepts

  • Data analysis in humanitarian contexts

  • Applied exercises on geospatial analysis

../content/Module_6/en_module_6_overview.html
Module 7 — Automation with QGIS

Increase efficiency by automating GIS workflows using QGIS tools.

Contents

  • Introduction to the QGIS Model Designer

  • Building automated processing workflows

  • Running and adapting GIS models

  • Exercises on workflow automation

../content/Module_7/en_module_7_overview.html
Module 8 — Remote Sensing and Raster Data

Work with raster datasets and remote sensing imagery to complement vector-based GIS analyses.

Contents

  • Remote sensing fundamentals

  • Raster data structures and concepts

  • Common raster processing techniques

  • Practical raster analysis exercises

../content/Module_8/en_module_8_overview.html
Module 9 — Network Analysis

Analyse transportation and infrastructure networks using GIS tools.

Contents

  • Spatial network analysis concepts

  • Using the OpenRouteService plugin

  • Network centrality and accessibility analysis

  • Exercises on network-based workflows

../content/Module_9/en_module_9_overview.html

How to use the modules#

The modules are designed to support both structured training courses and self-paced learning. Trainers can combine the material with the exercises and wiki articles available on the platform to create interactive learning sessions.

Depending on the training objectives, modules can be taught sequentially or selected individually to focus on specific GIS skills.