Get started with GIS & Remote Sensing in QGIS for Beginners

Name: Get started with GIS & Remote Sensing in QGIS for Beginners
Rating: 3.9 (233 reviews)

Get an overview and learn basics of GIS, QGIS and Remote Sensing with open data & tools (QGIS and Google Earth Engine)

Created byKatie Alison

Last updated 11/2025

English

What you'll learn

Fully understand basics of GIS and Remote Sensing
Learn Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing
Learn open source GIS and Remote Sensing software tools
Learn feely available sources of geodata
Fully understand the components of GIS system and its main functionality
Learn how to install QGIS and its basics functionallity
Learn how to create basic GIS-based map
Learn Geodata types: raster and vector data types

Course content

5 sections • 23 lectures • 2h 48m total length

Introduction2:06
In this lecture, you will learn the main objectives of the course, its goals, the coarse structure and what topics are going to be covered in the course on Basics of GIS with Open source tools.

Definition of GIS1:26
In this lecture, you will learn how to define GIS and its main components.
Main principles of GIS3:57
In this lecture, you will learn the main components, stages and principles of GIS. You will learn how to apply those principles to plan your first GIS projects.
Definition of Remote Sensing5:35
In this lecture, you will learn how to define Remote Sensing and its main components.
Lab: Sign In to Google Earth Engine3:37

GIS software and your PC set up11:59
In this course, you will learn how to how to set up a GIS on your computer, specifically what you will need to run GIS analysis on your personal computer. We will also talk about software tools available for the GIS analysis. In the practical section of the course, you will learn how to correctly install and set up QGIS on your computer to get ready for GIS analysis
QGIS version information2:21
Lab: Installing QGIS12:39
In this video, I will show you how to install QGIS on your computer.
A note on QGIS versions and it's plug-ins8:44
QGIS interface: Toolbars9:46
Lab: A power of QGIS - QGIS Plug-ins7:45
In this video, I will show you how to install and manage QGIS plug-ins.
Lab: Your First GIS Map in QGIS12:35
In this video, I will show you step-by-step how to do your first GIS map in QGIS. With the data provided by me, you can also practice and repeat all the steps by yourself.
Open Source Remote Sensing software6:41
In this section, we will talk about software tools available for the Remote Sensing analysis.

Basics of Geodata and its main types2:43
In this lecture, we are going to learn about data that is used for GIS analysis, or Geodata. We are also going to talk about 2 main types of geodata, which is vector and raster data types.
Spatial (geodata) Freely Available Data Sources6:30
Today we are going to learn where you can download freely available Geodata for your first GIS projects.
Lab: Add vector Data to QGIS4:51
Lab: Image download in QGIS13:45
Lab: Satellite image manipulation in QGIS15:15
Machine Learning on Google Earth Engine Cloud: a hannds-on exercise18:57
BONUS: Machine Learning on Google Earth Engine Cloud: a hands-on exercise.
In this video lecture, you will learn how to do in quite a straightforward step-by-step procedure land cover map for any area in the world using state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms using cloud platform Google Earth Engine.
BONUS2:12
Map project0:32

Requirements

The course is for beginners, Freshers or for those transitioning from another industry or discipline.
A working computer.

Description

Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Spatial Analysis

Are you curious about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing but unsure how to begin? This beginner-friendly course provides a clear and practical introduction to the fundamentals of GIS and satellite-based spatial analysis. Using free and open-source tools such as QGIS and Google Earth Engine, you will learn where to find geospatial data, how to install GIS software, and how to create your first maps.

This course focuses on real-world applications rather than overwhelming theory, giving you the confidence to start working with geospatial technologies immediately.

Course Highlights

• Introduction to GIS concepts and Remote Sensing fundamentals
• Free and open-source GIS tools and spatial data portals
• Understanding GIS components, workflows, and use cases
• Desktop requirements for GIS and Remote Sensing work
• Exploration of geodata types and industries that use GIS
• Step-by-step demonstration of land use/land cover mapping in Google Earth Engine
• Downloadable datasets and practical materials

Course Overview

This course serves as a clear entry point into the world of GIS and Remote Sensing. You will gain a fast yet solid understanding of essential concepts and learn how to obtain both GIS software and geospatial data for your projects. By the end of the course, you will know how to create basic maps, analyze spatial data, and use cloud-based tools for environmental analysis.

What You Will Learn

• Core concepts of GIS and Remote Sensing
• Free and open data sources for spatial analysis
• Installation and setup of open-source GIS software
• Navigating the QGIS interface, components, and plug-ins
• Creating your first GIS map with open datasets in QGIS
• Producing a land use/land cover map using Google Earth Engine
• Understanding practical applications across multiple sectors

Who Should Enroll

This course is ideal for beginners from all fields including agriculture, environmental sciences, geology, mining, hydrology, forestry, geography, social sciences, and more. Whether you are exploring geospatial technologies for the first time or expanding your foundational knowledge, this course provides a strong starting point.

Bonus Content

A bonus lecture includes a step-by-step video tutorial demonstrating how to create a land use/land cover map using Google Earth Engine and Machine Learning techniques—even if you have no prior experience.

Included in the Course

• Downloadable practical materials
• Step-by-step instructions for hands-on exercises
• Guidance on acquiring GIS software and geospatial datasets

Enroll today and begin your journey into GIS and Remote Sensing with practical tools and clear guidance.

Who this course is for:

Geographers, geologists, crop scientists or every other expert who deals with maps in their field.

Get started with GIS & Remote Sensing in QGIS for Beginners

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 2min

Applications of GIS2 lectures • 15min

Key principles of Geographic Information systems (GIS)4 lectures • 15min

Open Source GIS and Remote Sensing software8 lectures • 1hr 13min

Geodata and spatial data portals.8 lectures • 1hr 5min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: