This course is now booked out. Please contact events@eianz.org if you wish to be placed on the waiting list for the next course.

Understanding the complex interactions within environmental systems is crucial for effective management, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a powerful toolkit for this purpose. QGIS, a widely used open-source GIS software, is highly valued across diverse industries and is indispensable in the environmental sciences for managing our natural environments. Recognising the difficulties in developing QGIS skills outside formal education, this popular short course, back for its second iteration this year, is designed to equip environmental practitioners with the expertise needed to efficiently use QGIS in their day-to-day operations.

Why Attend?

This course aims to equip participants with practical skills in QGIS, focusing on the use of open-source software to address spatial tasks in environmental management. It serves as a valuable "skills booster" for professionals with foundational QGIS knowledge, helping them to leverage this powerful software more effectively in their work.

This short course is designed for participants at a basic to intermediate level. Participants should have a basic understanding of GIS terminology (such as vectors, polygons, and raster data) and have QGIS software installed prior to the first session. Complete beginners will be asked to complete additional training resources online to familiarise with the software’s interface and core functions prior to starting this short course.

What to Expect

This course will run for 4 sessions over 4 days, for 3 hours each day. These are interactive learning sessions that go beyond traditional webinars, featuring a mix of presentations, hands-on exercises, and group discussions. Skills are developed through both guided in-session exercises and independent practice between sessions, with each session beginning with a review period to address questions and refine approaches.

Session Details

This workshop will run on the following days. Session times in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Meet the Facilitator: Alex Saunders

Alex is currently working as a Lecturer in Geographic Information Systems at the University of Western Australia. Since 2020, Alex has been teaching students at both an under-graduate and post-graduate level. His teaching work draws on a diverse employment history in a professional capacity covering senior roles in the private sector, government and consulting. He has extensive experience in GIS, including previous research roles as a GIS Specialist at UWA's Centre for the Built Environment and Health and the Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub, where he conducted research on urban vegetation and land use. His work involves developing analytical methods, contributing to major projects, and publishing research papers. Earlier career highlights include managing a specialist geospatial analysis team at the Government of Western Australia's Department of Planning, and also senior roles at MacroPlan Dimasi and Aurecon Australia. He also has experience as an Environmental Advisor for the Tidy Britain Group in the UK and as a Marketing Planning Officer for British Gas plc.

Alex learned his GIS skills at the University of Western Australia in 1999/2000 and is immensely proud to now be teaching in the same labs in which he started his own GIS career. In addition, he holds an MSc in Environmental Impact Assessment from the University of Brighton and a BSc (Hons) in Economics from University College London.

Who Should Attend?

This QGIS short course is tailored for environmental practitioners who are eager to expand their capabilities in QGIS. If you're looking to optimise your workflow and achieve better outcomes, this course will provide the practical skills and knowledge you need.

Registrations are now open!

Places are strictly limited to 15 participants. Register to secure your spot today!

Registration rates

*This is an all inclusive price charged in AUD including GST.

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