What this book covers
Chapter 1, Getting Started with QGIS, covers the installation and configuration of QGIS. We will also see the user interface and how to customize it. By the end of this chapter, you will have QGIS running on your machine and be ready to start with the tutorials.
Chapter 2, Viewing Spatial Data, covers how to view spatial data from different data sources. QGIS supports many file and database formats as well as OGC web services. We will first see how we can load layers from these different data sources. Then, we will look into the basics of styling both vector and raster layers and will create our first map. We will finish this chapter with an example for loading background maps from online services.
Chapter 3, Data Creation and Editing, covers how to create and manipulate spatial datasets. We will cover how to select features and take measurements before we continue with editing feature geometries and attributes. We will then reproject vector and raster data and learn how to convert between different file formats. Furthermore, we will join data from text files and spreadsheets to our spatial data. We will also explore the use of temporary scratch layers, learn how to fix common topological errors, and finally, how to load data into spatial databases.
Chapter 4, Spatial Analysis, covers raster processing and analyses tasks such as clipping and terrain analysis. Then we cover converting between raster and vector formats before we continue with common vector geoprocessing tasks such as generating heatmaps and calculating area shares within a region. Finally, we will finish the chapter with exercises in automating geoprocessing workflows using the QGIS Processing modeler and leveraging the power of spatial databases for analysis.
Chapter 5, Creating Great Maps, covers important features that enable us to create great maps. We will go into advanced vector styling, building on what we learned in Chapter 2, Viewing Spatial Data. Then, we will cover labeling using examples of labeling point locations as well as creating more advanced road labels with road shield graphics. We will also cover how to tweak labels manually. We will get to know the print composer and how to use it to create printable maps and map books. Finally, we will cover solutions to present your maps on the Web.
Chapter 6, Extending QGIS with Python, covers scripting QGIS with Python. We will start with an introduction to actions before we get started with the QGIS Python Console and more advanced development of custom tools for the Processing toolbox. Finally, we will cover how to create our own plugins.
