Register: Introduction to GIS for Geotechnical Practitioners

This online course is intended to provide geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists with an introduction to using geographical information systems (GIS) using the QGIS software platform.

The course will cover:

• an introduction to GIS concepts;
• importing common GIS data formats including web services;
• adding, editing, symbolising and labelling data;
• spatial analysis using filters and queries;
• making maps to use in reports;
• topographic cross-sections;
• visualising landscapes with digital elevation models;
• importing field photographs into GIS;
• methods for working with important digital imagery such as historic aerial photos (stereo pairs), satellite imagery and scanned plans will also be outlined;
• QGIS plugins relevant to geotechnical investigations;

A large part of the day is devoted to working through an exercise using the QGIS software to answer geotechnical questions and create a map and form an opinion for a hypothetical client.

Course materials will be available for download prior to the event: GIS datasets, AS1726 compatible symbol sets, NZ web connections, exercise notes and video and presentation. Recordings of the meeting will be available following the event.

Online Course

The course will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and will utilise the free open-source software programme QGIS. Participants will be required to install QGIS on their own computer before the meeting and will need to have access to MS Teams. Full instructions for hardware requirements and setting up software will be provided beforehand. Participants will need a modern mid-range computer or better with a current operating system installed, preferably two monitors, a webcam and headset. A reliable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth for video conferencing is essential.

About the presenter: Colin Mazengarb

Colin Mazengarb, based in Tasmania, has practised in the fields of regional-geological mapping and engineering-geology in New Zealand, Australia and the USA throughout his long career. He is an advanced user of various geographical information systems (GIS) software and has taught this course since 2016.