Introduction to the course and software installation
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Hello and welcome to the MAGIC Introduction to GIS using QGIS tutorial.
This course can be taught by a MAGIC member of staff and should take approximately 3 hours, or it is also available as a self-taught service for those who prefer to go through things in their own time.
Some pages in this tutorial are presentations, where subjects will be introduced and you can ask any questions you may have, and other pages are exercises for you to work through. If you get stuck at any point then just ask for help (in-person when attending the training course, or via the when teaching yourself).
Gain a basic concept of what GIS is and some of its key applications, specifically for polar work
Understand some of the key data types and how to work with them in QGIS
Familiarise yourself with the interface of QGIS
Load, symbolise and export vector and raster data
Carry out and understand a basic spatial analysis query
Create contours and a hillshade from a Digital Elevation Model
Learn how to produce an output map or figure with the QGIS Print Layout function
QGIS Desktop v3.x. We recommend using the Long Term Release version. Installation instructions are given below.
We have created a set of datasets which will be used throughout the tutorial for different exercises. Please download this zip file, unzip it, and save it somewhere easy to access on your computer (e.g. in a folder called 'QGIS Tutorial' in your main working drive or desktop). This folder will be your main working folder for the whole tutorial.
Data can be downloaded from the link below:
QGIS is a completely free and open source software.
The installer installs a few different programmes and the one that we want is called 'QGIS Desktop 3.x'.
You can find this by just searching for it in the start menu or by looking in a folder on your desktop
Please open QGIS Desktop and check that it opens up before starting this course - it should appear similar to the image below, but perhaps with a slightly different arrangement of panels, or with some 'News' content in the centre
It might be helpful to save a shortcut for the programme in your taskbar or desktop
Let us know if you have any trouble at all (by emailing magic@bas.ac.uk or by putting a request into our Helpdesk)
This course was created by members of the British Antarctic Survey Mapping and Geographic Information Centre in 2021 and it is updated as and when needed.
It is available to install from the BAS IT Software Self Service Portal. Instructions for accessing this portal can be found online and the application name is 'QGIS LTR'. The LTR (long term release) is updated every now and then, but as long as you are running a relatively recent version then it should be fine (v3 or above).
If you are using a Mac or Linux, QGIS can be downloaded for free from the .
Content has been adapted from various open and free training courses - primarily from the official QGIS documentation training material: and from this fantastic resource which also has many more training exercises: