In this introductory course, you will:

• Learn the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and why they are essential in hydrology and water resources

• Be introduced to QGIS, the world’s leading open-source GIS platform, and its user interface, panels, and toolbars

• Understand how to install QGIS, add basemaps, manage plugins, and organize spatial data

• Explore raster and vector data with water-related examples such as DEMs, rivers, and watershed boundaries

  You’ll also gain hands-on experience importing and visualizing data, working with coordinate systems, styling maps, and performing basic geoprocessing tasks like clipping, buffering, and raster analysis. This course serves as the foundation for more advanced hydrology and GIS applications, making it ideal for those new to QGIS or water resources analysis.

  Course participants are supported via email for technical and content questions related to the course, and will also receive a certificate of completion towards professional development hours issued by Heron Hydrologic.