Introduction to QGIS

Open source geographic information systems (GIS) tools are maturing to the point of being viable for widespread use. QGIS is a desktop GIS system that is cross-platform, free, extensible and interoperates well with other GIS tools. Data services that support desktop GIS software packages are increasingly supporting QGIS, and ideas for promoting open source desktop GIS use and support will be discussed.In this workshop, participants will gain hands on experience with QGIS. Exercises will include working with vector and raster data, doing very basic spatial analysis, and producing maps. Participants will leave with resources for learning more QGIS. No previous GIS experience is required.