Introduction to GIS Mapping
Introduction to GIS Mapping
March 19th – April 23rd, 2025
Learn the fundamentals of making a map with a Geographic Information System known as GIS.
No prior experience necessary, everyone is welcome!
About The Course
Introduction to GIS Mapping is the first in a series of courses focused on digital map creation. This course will lay the foundation for creating functional maps with Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
This is a practical how-to course designed to introduce students to digital mapping tools. We will demystify digital tools’ complexity and translate professional mapmakers’ jargon into easily understood terms. During this class, we will be using QGIS mapping software. QGIS is an open-source (free) application that stands alongside with ESRI ArcGIS (paid service) as the industry standard for digital mapping.
Everyone is welcome – No mapping experience necessary!
Theory
- Orientation to GIS: What is GIS-a Geographic Information System? What are its strengths and limitations?
- GIS Deciphered: Get familiar with the language of GIS mapping and industry terms.
- Data Storage and Management: Understand how GIS data is structured and how to manage project files.
- Projection / Coordinate system: Learn how to take a round earth and make a flat map.
- Digital Map Structure: Learn about the difference between raster and vector data.
Practice
- Orientation to QGIS: Get oriented to QGIS, its buttons and how to make maps from different forms of data.
- Creating Map Layers: Learn to create and manipulate data to map layers such as contour, zone, soil, and aspect maps.
- Map Composition: Practice the basic rules of cartography and map layout.
- Finding Data. Learn where to find and access open source data.
- Make maps: Make multiple digital and printable maps throughout the course.
Class Schedule
Questions?
We are here for you. Please reach out at: support@earthactivisttraining.org
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Charles Williams, Lead Instructor
As Earth Activist Training’s program director and senior instructor, Charles has spent the past twenty five years teaching and implementing permaculture. Charles comes to Earth Activist Training through a love of the wild, faith that healthy communities can solve complex problems, and a belief that working with one’s hands is sacred work.
Over the past two decades, he has stewarded many pieces of land throughout the United States, including Diana’s Grove in Missouri, Farm & Wilderness summer camp in Vermont, and Starhawk’s Golden Rabbit Ranch in California. His approach simultaneously promotes the preservation of wild spaces and conservation of the domestic.
His deep respect for and relationship with the divine in nature informs all he does, integrating spiritual practices with land management. Charles also understands the need for healthy community, and knows that skilled human implementation is an essential part of any design. In these challenging times, he finds hope for the future through the interlocking, symbiotic relationship of spirit, community, and action.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
COURSE INFORMATION
- Location: Virtual
- Dates: March 19th – April 23rd (6 weeks)
- Timing: Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm PST
- Helpful Tool: Time Zone Converter
- Taught by Charles Williams, program director and lead teacher for Earth Activist Training.
- Each week has 1 hour of live and 1 hour of recorded instruction and weekly homework.
- All live sessions are recorded and closed-captioned.
- Access to resources, documentation, and recorded class content in the virtual classroom.
PAYMENT
- We are dedicated to making our courses as accessible as possible by offering:
- Early Bird tuition: $280!
- Sliding-scale tuition: $300-$350
- Four-part payment plans: $75 at registration with 3 monthly payments of $75.
- Alumni tuition: $100 to retake this course.
- Diversity Scholarships available: See below.
- Group Discounts: See below.
- All amounts are in US dollars.
- See below for details
SCHOLARSHIPS & DISCOUNTS
- Group discounts and Diversity Scholarships available? Yes!
- Keep reading below.
QUESTIONS?
We are here for you. Reach us at: support@earthactivisttraining.org