# Introduction to the course and software installation 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 [MAGIC Helpdesk](https://nercacuk.sharepoint.com/sites/BASDigitalw/internal-services/service-desk/Pages/magic.aspx) when teaching yourself). ## Learning Objectives * 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 ## Tools required * **QGIS Desktop v3.x**. We recommend using the Long Term Release version. Installation instructions are given below. ## Datasets 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: {% embed url="" %} ## Installing QGIS QGIS is a completely free and open source software. It is available to install from the BAS IT Software Self Service Portal. Instructions for accessing this portal can be found by searching for the solution 'How to install software from the Self Service Portal' [here](https://servicedesk.bas.ac.uk/app/itdesk/ui/solutions) 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 [QGIS website](https://qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html). * 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 or by putting a request into our Helpdesk) ![QGIS Desktop](https://2884624266-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MRdPrQ-5SlyU4sRra7Y%2F-MWPqPNBlRuRuTPwo2ZH%2F-MWPuEXE2CyrXpIetVnf%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=aa5c21ca-7891-41b1-a905-d5a96369ad85) ## Further information about the content of this course 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. 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: [http://www.qgistutorials.com/en/#](http://www.qgistutorials.com/en/) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://guides.geospatial.bas.ac.uk/qgis-tutorial/master.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.