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Training

Introduction to PostGIS (Self-paced)

This course is presented to transfer a working knowledge of SQL to the participants. During this course you will learn about 1. General database concepts, including what is a relational database? 2. SQL basics including syntax, structure, standards and conventions 3. Connecting to a database, and more.

~18–20 hours
Self-paced · Online
Certificate of Attendance & Completion
Introduction to PostGIS (Self-paced)
Expert Instructors
Hands-on Learning
Course Materials
Post-Course Support

Course Overview

This hands-on course introduces participants to spatial database concepts and practices using PostgreSQL and PostGIS — the industry-leading open source spatial database solution. You’ll learn to design efficient spatial database schemas, write spatial SQL queries, and connect your database to QGIS and other tools.

The course combines theoretical concepts with extensive hands-on practice, ensuring participants leave with working SQL skills and the ability to manage spatial data at scale. Available as a 2-day instructor-led course or as a self-paced option you can work through at your own pace.

What You Will Learn

PostGIS & PostgreSQL Setup

Install and configure a geospatial RDBMS ready for production use.

SQL Fundamentals

Build CRUD queries, understand tables, fields, and primary/foreign keys — no prior database experience needed.

Enterprise GIS Workflows

Explore how PostGIS serves as the backbone of a FOSS-based GIS stack in mixed IT environments.

Spatial Data Manipulation

Insert geometries, run spatial queries, and leverage PostGIS functions and operators.

QGIS Integration

Use QGIS as a visualisation tool and SQL client via DB Manager to import/export and display results.

Practical Application

Bring your own datasets for real-time exercises and continue practising on your own setup after the course.

Course Modules

0Course Orientation & SetupBefore you begin

Get PostgreSQL and PostGIS installed on your machine and connect to the course database. You'll be introduced to the course structure, the Communication Hub, and the sample datasets used throughout the exercises. By the end of this module you'll have a working geospatial RDBMS ready for the course.

1Introduction to PostgreSQL & PostGISModule 1

Understand the geospatial RDBMS architecture and how PostGIS extends PostgreSQL for geographic data. You'll explore PostGIS geometry types, spatial reference systems, and the key functions that make spatial SQL possible.

2SQL Fundamentals for Spatial DataModule 2

Build confidence writing SQL from scratch — tables, fields, primary and foreign keys, and full CRUD operations. No prior database experience required. You'll write your first spatial queries and learn conventions that make SQL readable and maintainable.

3Spatial Queries & PostGIS FunctionsModule 3

Insert and manipulate geometries, run spatial queries, and apply PostGIS functions and operators. You'll work with ST_Intersects, ST_Buffer, ST_Distance, ST_Area, coordinate transformations, and spatial joins.

4QGIS Integration & Enterprise WorkflowsModule 4

Connect PostGIS to QGIS using DB Manager. Import and export spatial data, visualise query results on a map, and explore how PostGIS fits into a FOSS enterprise GIS stack alongside GeoServer and GeoNode.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

✔ GIS professionals moving to database-driven workflows

✔ Developers building location-aware applications

✔ Analysts working with large or complex spatial datasets

✔ Database administrators managing spatial data

✔ IT staff responsible for GIS infrastructure

✔ Anyone wanting to move beyond shapefile-based workflows

Prerequisites

  • Basic familiarity with GIS concepts (layers, feature types, projections)
  • Basic computer literacy — no prior SQL or database experience required
  • Personal laptop with two screens (recommended for online sessions)
  • Interest in spatial data management and database-driven workflows

What You Receive

PostGIS reference guide & workbook

Sample spatial datasets for all exercises

30-day post-course email support

SQL cheat sheets & query templates

Certificate of attendance and completion

All course materials included for self-paced study

What Participants Say

IOI. Olivier★★★★★
Very enjoyable and informative course, Thanks!

Why Train with Kartoza?

Open Source Contributors

Our trainers contribute code to PostGIS, QGIS, and GeoServer. We teach from deep, real-world project expertise.

Tailored for Your Team

On-site sessions can be customised around your organisation's data, systems, and database environment.

Practical from Day One

No death-by-slides. Every topic is covered through exercises using real spatial data from the first session.

Africa & Beyond

We have trained GIS and database professionals across Africa, Europe, and internationally, from Cape Town to Lisbon.