QGIS Workshop Overview
Designed for both newcomers to digital mapping and experienced ArcGIS Pro users interested in expanding their skills, this workshop provides a practical, guided introduction to QGIS — a powerful, free, and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS).
QGIS is a widely used, multi-platform mapping application utilizede by governments, researchers, nonprofit organizations, and private industry professionals around the world. It enables users to visualize, analyze, and communicate spatial data in ways that spreadsheets and tables alone cannot.
This hands-on workshop emphasizes learning by doing. Participants will work directly with real-world datasets while building practical skills they can immediately apply to their own projects.
What You Will Learn
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Navigate the QGIS interface with confidence
- Load and manage spatial data (vector and raster formats)
- Apply symbology and styling to improve map clarity and communication
- Organize layers effectively for analysis and presentation
- Create publication-ready maps for sharing, exporting, or printing
- Understand core GIS concepts that transfer across platforms
Who Should Attend
This workshop is ideal for:
- Faculty, staff, students, and professionals new to GIS
- Current ArcGIS users exploring open-source alternatives
- Researchers and analysts working with geographic or community data
- Anyone interested in improving how they visualize and communicate spatial information
No prior QGIS experience is required.
Next Workshop Offering
February 25, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Room 1060
Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab
3800 University Blvd.
Ames, Iowa
Register here:
👉 https://go.iastate.edu/4EBPFN
Participants interested in the Tableau Workshop (February 26) may register for a special discounted bundle workshop price.
Additional Information
For software setup instructions, detailed agenda information, and additional QGIS resources, please use the navigation menu on the left.