QGIS Applied to the Environment

TEACHING UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS Definitions and Basic Concepts Functions and Applications of Geographic Information Systems Geographic Information: Vector Data Models, Raster Data Models, and Other Data Models (CAD, TIN, etc.). Main characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each data model Introduction to QGIS and familiarization with its graphical interface TEACHING UNIT 2. VECTOR DATA. VISUALIZATION OF INFORMATION Adding layers, properties, and attribute tables Adding Web Map Services and base maps (OMS, Google Maps, Bing Maps) Tools for examining data: Searches, queries, and filtering Selection tools based on attributes or spatial location, and data capture Layer symbology: Simple symbology, by category, by quantity, and using graphs Other visualization options: Labeling and transparency TEACHING UNIT 3. COORDINATE SYSTEMS, PROJECTIONS, AND GEOREFERENCING Introduction to Coordinate Systems and Projections Definition of a Coordinate System Coordinate System Transformation Georeferencing of images, layers, and CAD files TEACHING UNIT 4. VECTOR DATA MODEL. EDITING AND GENERATING INFORMATION Creating and Editing Spatial Data Creating Spatial Data: Editing Toolbar. Digitizing Techniques Obtaining Vector Layers from OGM Creating Layers from CAD Files Modifying Existing Layers Creating layers from coordinates and GPS data Creating and editing data in the attribute table Structure of the attribute table Data types Modifying table information Calculating geometric information (area, perimeter, length, etc.) Generating statistics from the table Exporting tables to Excel and other formats. Generating reports and graphs TEACHING UNIT 5. VECTOR DATA MODEL. TABLE RELATIONSHIPS Database design Database connections. Table joins Spatial joins. Generating statistics from database information and the spatial location of the elements that make up the layer TEACHING UNIT 6. INTRODUCTION TO DATABASES Different types of data that can be included in a database Basics of PostgreSQL Installation Creating and managing data in PostGIS TEACHING UNIT 7. GEOPROCESSING WITH VECTOR DATA. SPATIAL ANALYSIS Vector geoprocessing. Extraction, overlay, and proximity tools Generating sampling grids Multicriteria analysis. Identifying optimal zones Guided Exercise 1 (environmental monitoring): Creating sampling grids and studying population density trends as applied to environmental monitoring of wind farms TEACHING UNIT 8. SPATIAL ANALYSIS WITH RASTER DATA File conversion tools: Raster, Vector, ASCII, and KML Generating Digital Elevation Models from vector data, ASCII files, and TIN files Extracting raster information via queries and masks Merging raster files Contour lines, slope calculations, shaded relief maps, aspect analysis, and visibility studies Guided Exercise 2 (Landscape): Visibility study using visual basins based on high-precision digital terrain models, defining the observer’s characteristics and project elements TEACHING UNIT 9. ADVANCED SPATIAL ANALYSIS Raster file reclassification. Euclidean distances. Construction of Boolean layers, aggregation by intervals or categories, and data conversion Map algebra (Raster Calculator), mathematical operations between raster layers, cell statistics Guided Exercise 3 (geomorphology/erosion): Analysis of erosion risk based on variables such as slope, substrate type, presence of vegetation, etc. Data interpolation techniques (IDW, kriging, nearest neighbor) Guided Exercise 4 (Fauna and Vegetation): Generating maps of the density and distribution of fauna and vegetation by interpolating data collected in the field and from the literature TEACHING UNIT 10. HYDROLOGICAL STUDY AND MULTICRITERIA ANALYSIS Hydrological study: Determining drainage networks, flow direction, sink areas, and identifying drainage basins Guided Exercise 5 (hydrology): Deriving the drainage network, the predominant flow direction, accumulation zones, and watersheds Raster multi-criteria analysis. Basic concepts and weightings. Weighted linear combination Non-compensatory analysis. Calculation of lowest-cost routes Guided Exercise 6 (selection of alternatives): Multi-criteria analysis of environmental variables to select the project alternative with the lowest impact Guided Exercise 7 (Selection of Alternatives 2): Multicriteria analysis for selecting the route of a linear project with the least impact TEACHING UNIT 11. WEB RESOURCES AND INFORMATION SOURCES Downloading cartographic information (IGN) and using WMS map servers Regional, National, European, and International IDEE TEACHING UNIT 12. MAP CREATION Configuring the page Inserting common map elements (legend, scale, North, etc.), coordinate grid, compositions with images, Excel tables, etc. Printing Options Guided Exercise 8 (map composition): Creation of high-quality thematic maps focused on environmental studies and in accordance with the provisions of the INSPIRE Directive TEACHING UNIT 13. 3D VISUALIZATION Converting 2D vector files to 3D vector files Generating 3D profiles Visualizing vector and raster layers in 3D Virtual flights Map animation Guided Exercise 9 (map composition): Generating a 3D scene of a wind farm