Python for GIS

Course Overview ¶

This practical course introduces participants to Python programming for geospatial applications. Participants will learn fundamental Python programming concepts and how to apply them to GIS workflows using popular libraries including GDAL/OGR, Shapely, Fiona, Rasterio, GeoPandas, and PyQGIS.

The course covers spatial data manipulation, automated geoprocessing, spatial analysis, coordinate transformations, and integration with databases and web services. No prior programming experience is required.

What You Will Learn ¶

• Python programming fundamentals for GIS professionals
• Working with spatial data using GDAL/OGR
• Vector data manipulation with Shapely, Fiona, and GeoPandas
• Raster data processing with Rasterio and NumPy
• Automating QGIS workflows with PyQGIS
• Performing spatial analysis and geoprocessing
• Connecting to spatial databases with psycopg2
• Working with coordinate reference systems and projections
• Reading and writing various spatial data formats
• Creating maps and visualizations with matplotlib and folium
• Building command-line tools for batch processing
• Error handling and debugging techniques
• Best practices for code organization and documentation
• Introduction to web mapping with Flask or Django

Who Should Attend ¶

This course is designed for:

• GIS professionals seeking to automate workflows
• Analysts performing repetitive data processing tasks
• Researchers working with spatial data
• Consultants building custom GIS tools
• Anyone hitting limitations in desktop GIS

No programming experience is required, though basic GIS knowledge is essential.

Prerequisites ¶

• Basic GIS knowledge
• Comfort with computer operations
• Willingness to learn programming concepts
• Laptop with Python installed (we can help)

Course Materials ¶

All participants receive:

• Python for GIS workbook
• Code samples and exercise solutions
• Library reference guides
• Project templates
• Certificate of completion
• 30-day post-course email support