Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Mastering  QGIS
Mastering  QGIS

Mastering QGIS: Go beyond the basics and unleash the full power of QGIS with practical, step-by-step examples , Second Edition

Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Corti Profile Icon Kurt Menke, GISP Profile Icon Van Hoesen, GISP Profile Icon Pirelli Profile Icon Smith Jr., GISP +1 more Show less
Arrow right icon
$60.99
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.5 (4 Ratings)
Paperback Sep 2016 486 pages 2nd Edition
eBook
$32.99 $47.99
Paperback
$60.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Corti Profile Icon Kurt Menke, GISP Profile Icon Van Hoesen, GISP Profile Icon Pirelli Profile Icon Smith Jr., GISP +1 more Show less
Arrow right icon
$60.99
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.5 (4 Ratings)
Paperback Sep 2016 486 pages 2nd Edition
eBook
$32.99 $47.99
Paperback
$60.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
eBook
$32.99 $47.99
Paperback
$60.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Mastering QGIS

Chapter 2. Creating Spatial Databases

This chapter covers the creation and editing of spatial databases using QGIS. The core concepts of databases will be briefly reviewed; however, we have assumed that you are generally familiar with database concepts and SQL for most of the content covered in this chapter. The topics that we will cover in this chapter are as follows:

  • Core concepts of database construction
  • Creating spatial databases
  • Importing and exporting data
  • Editing databases
  • Creating queries
  • Creating views

Fundamental database concepts

A database is a structured collection of data. Databases provide multiple benefits over data stored in a flat file format, such as a shapefile or KML. These benefits include complex queries, complex relationships, scalability, security, data integrity, and transactions, to name a few. Using databases to store geospatial data is relatively easy, considering the aforementioned benefits.

Note

There are multiple types of database; however, the most common type of database, and the type of database that this chapter will cover, is the relational database.

Describing database tables

A relational database stores data in tables. A table is composed of rows and columns, where each row is a single data record and each column stores a field value associated with each record. A table can have any number of records; however, each field is uniquely named and stores a specific type of data.

A data type restricts the information that can be stored in a field, and it is very important...

Creating a spatial database

Creating a spatial database in QGIS is a simple operation. QGIS supports PostGIS, SpatiaLite, MSSQL, SQL Anywhere, and Oracle Spatial databases. We will cover SpatiaLite, an open source project that is cross-platform, simple, and lightweight, and provides quite a bit of functionality. SpatiaLite is a spatial database management system (DBMS) built on top of SQLite, a lightweight personal DBMS.

Note

SpatiaLite (and thus, SQLite) is built on a single-user architecture, which makes installation and management virtually nonexistent. The trade-off, however, is that it neither does a good job of supporting multiple concurrent connections, nor does it support a client-server architecture. For a more complex DBMS, PostGIS is an excellent open source option.

We will create a new SpatiaLite database that we will use for the remaining exercises in this chapter; to do this, perform the following steps:

  1. Open QGIS Desktop and open the Browser panel. If the Browser panel is missing...

Importing data into a SpatiaLite database

Importing data into a SpatiaLite database is easy using the DB Manager. SpatiaLite supports the following commonly-used formats, as well as many other formats, for importing files:

  • Shapefile (.shp)
  • dBase (.dbf)
  • Text (.txt), Commas Separate Values (.csv), and Excel spreadsheets (.xls/.xlsx)
  • AutoCAD DXF (.dxf)
  • Geography Markup Language (.gml)
  • Keyhole Markup Language (.kml)
  • Geometry JavaScript Object Notation (.geojson)
  • Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg)

Let's use DB Manager to import data in a few different formats into our GiffordPinochet.sqlite database.

Importing KML into SpatiaLite

To import a KML file into a SpatiaLite database, complete the following steps:

  1. Open DB Manager by clicking on DB Manager under Database. Expand SpatiaLite and select GiffordPinochet.sqlite on the Tree panel.
  2. Navigate to Table | Import layer/file to open the Import vector layer dialog.
  3. Click on the ellipsis button at the right-hand side of the Input drop-down box. Choose Keyhole...

Exporting tables out of SpatiaLite

You can export tables from SpatiaLite to many different formats using DB Manager. Tables can be exported to the following commonly-used formats, as well as many other formats:

  • ESRI Shapefile (.shp)
  • dBase (.dbf)
  • Text (.txt), Commas Separate Values (.csv), and Excel spreadsheets (.xls/.xlsx)
  • AutoCAD DXF (.dxf)
  • Geography Markup Language (.gml)
  • Keyhole Markup Language (.kml)
  • Geometry JavaScript Object Notation (.geojson)
  • GeoRSS (.xml)

To demonstrate an export, export the Waterfalls table to the shapefile format by performing the following steps:

  1. Open DB Manager by clicking on DB Manager under Database. Expand SpatiaLite and select the database from which you wish to export a table in the Tree panel.
  2. In the Tree panel, select the table that you wish to export.
  3. Navigate to Table | Export to file to open the Export to vector file dialog.
  4. In the Format dropdown box, choose ESRI Shapefile.
  5. Click on the ellipsis button at the right-hand side of the Output file text box and name...

Managing tables

DB Manager provides functions to create, rename, edit, delete, and empty tables using tools found under the Table menu. In this section, we will discuss each tool.

Creating a new table

Creating new tables using DB Manager is fairly straightforward. When creating a new table, you can specify whether it will be a spatial table or a nonspatial table. In this section, we will create a new spatial table in SpatiaLite to hold data about mountain peaks in a park; to do this, perform the following steps:

Tip

To quickly create a new SpatiaLite layer (and optionally a database) in one dialog box in QGIS Desktop, navigate to Layer | Create Layer | New SpatiaLite Layer….

  1. Open DB Manager by clicking on DB Manager under Database. Expand SpatiaLite and select GiffordPinochet.sqlite in the Tree panel.
  2. Navigate to Table | Create Table to open the Create Table window.
  3. Enter Peaks as the table name.
  4. Click on the Add field button to add a new table field. A new row will appear in the field list...

Fundamental database concepts


A database is a structured collection of data. Databases provide multiple benefits over data stored in a flat file format, such as a shapefile or KML. These benefits include complex queries, complex relationships, scalability, security, data integrity, and transactions, to name a few. Using databases to store geospatial data is relatively easy, considering the aforementioned benefits.

Note

There are multiple types of database; however, the most common type of database, and the type of database that this chapter will cover, is the relational database.

Describing database tables

A relational database stores data in tables. A table is composed of rows and columns, where each row is a single data record and each column stores a field value associated with each record. A table can have any number of records; however, each field is uniquely named and stores a specific type of data.

A data type restricts the information that can be stored in a field, and it is very important...

Creating a spatial database


Creating a spatial database in QGIS is a simple operation. QGIS supports PostGIS, SpatiaLite, MSSQL, SQL Anywhere, and Oracle Spatial databases. We will cover SpatiaLite, an open source project that is cross-platform, simple, and lightweight, and provides quite a bit of functionality. SpatiaLite is a spatial database management system (DBMS) built on top of SQLite, a lightweight personal DBMS.

Note

SpatiaLite (and thus, SQLite) is built on a single-user architecture, which makes installation and management virtually nonexistent. The trade-off, however, is that it neither does a good job of supporting multiple concurrent connections, nor does it support a client-server architecture. For a more complex DBMS, PostGIS is an excellent open source option.

We will create a new SpatiaLite database that we will use for the remaining exercises in this chapter; to do this, perform the following steps:

  1. Open QGIS Desktop and open the Browser panel. If the Browser panel is missing...

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Key benefits

  • •This book is your one-stop solution to all of your GIS needs using the open source QGIS
  • •Master QGIS by learning about database integration, geoprocessing tools, Python scripts, advanced cartography, and custom plugins
  • •This example-rich, practical guide will help you create sophisticated analyses and maps

Description

QGIS is an open source solution to GIS. It is widely used by GIS professionals all over the world. It is the leading alternative to the proprietary GIS software. Although QGIS is described as intuitive, it is also by default complex. Knowing which tools to use and how to apply them is essential to producing valuable deliverables on time. Starting with a refresher on the QGIS basics, this book will take you all the way through to creating your first custom QGIS plugin. From the refresher, we will recap how to create, populate, and manage a spatial database. You’ll also walk through styling GIS data, from creating custom symbols and color ramps to using blending modes. In the next section, you will discover how to prepare vector, heat maps, and create live layer effects, labeling, and raster data for processing. You’ll also discover advanced data creation and editing techniques. The last third of the book covers the more technical aspects of QGIS such as using LAStools and GRASS GIS’s integration with the Processing Toolbox, how to automate workflows with batch processing, and how to create graphical models. Finally, you will see how to create and run Python data processing scripts and write your own QGIS plugin with pyqgis. By the end of the book, you will understand how to work with all the aspects of QGIS, and will be ready to use it for any type of GIS work.

Who is this book for?

If you are a GIS professional, a consultant, a student, or perhaps a fast learner who wants to go beyond the basics of QGIS, then this book is for you. It will prepare you to realize the full potential of QGIS.

What you will learn

  • • Create and manage a spatial database
  • • Get to know advanced techniques to style GIS data
  • • Prepare both vector and raster data for processing
  • • Add heat maps, live layer effects, and labels to your maps
  • • Master LAStools and GRASS integration with the Processing Toolbox
  • • Edit and repair topological data errors
  • • Automate workflows with batch processing and the QGIS Graphical Modeler
  • • Integrate Python scripting into your data processing workflows
  • • Develop your own QGIS plugin
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Chile

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

$19.95

Premium delivery 3 - 6 business days

$40.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Sep 30, 2016
Length: 486 pages
Edition : 2nd
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781786460370
Category :
Tools :

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Chile

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

$19.95

Premium delivery 3 - 6 business days

$40.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Publication date : Sep 30, 2016
Length: 486 pages
Edition : 2nd
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781786460370
Category :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total $ 184.97
QGIS:Becoming a GIS Power User
$84.99
Mastering  QGIS
$60.99
Learning QGIS, Third Edition
$38.99
Total $ 184.97 Stars icon
Banner background image

Table of Contents

12 Chapters
1. A Refreshing Look at QGIS Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Creating Spatial Databases Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Styling Raster and Vector Data Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Preparing Vector Data for Processing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Preparing Raster Data for Processing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Advanced Data Creation and Editing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Advanced Data Visualization Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. The Processing Toolbox Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Automating Workflows with the Graphical Modeler Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Creating QGIS Plugins with PyQGIS and Problem Solving Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
11. PyQGIS Scripting Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.5
(4 Ratings)
5 star 50%
4 star 50%
3 star 0%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Maya Aug 04, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
good book to learn gis
Amazon Verified review Amazon
RAFAEL VÁZQUEZ MÁRQUEZ Nov 03, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
A pesar de que es un libro de nivel intermedio, trae un capitulo breve de introducción, los capitulos estan muy bien explicados.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Grumpy Jun 22, 2019
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
Mine said for sale in India on the cover, but it's a decent intro to qgis
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Lance Case Sep 18, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
Highly recommend this for anyone serious about learning how to use QGIS. Online tutorials and user forums will only get you so far. This book steps through most, if not all, of the features of the application. It's perfect for a general introduction to the software and provides a nice starting point for your specific application. My only complaint is that the printed book is in black & white with an option to download color pictures from the publisher. The PDF version is in full color. I like having a physical book for reference, but some of the graphic examples don't work in black & white.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact [email protected] with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at [email protected] using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on [email protected] with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on [email protected] within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on [email protected] who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on [email protected] within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela