Geographic Information Systems

QGIS (Quantum GIS) is a free and open-source desktop GIS application that allows users to view, edit, analyze, and visualize geospatial data. Developed and maintained by a global community of volunteers, QGIS is widely used in academia, government, non-profits, and industry.

With QGIS you can:

• Create 2D and 3D maps
• Conduct spatial analysis with built-in and plugin tools
• Utilize extensive symbology and labeling options
• Edit data and geoprocessing workflows
• Integrate data with Python scripting and automation

QGIS is known for its flexibility, plugin ecosystem, and cross-platform availability (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Supported file types include:

• Vector Data: Shapefiles (.shp), GeoJSON (.geojson), KML/KMZ (.kml, .kmz), GPKG (GeoPackage – .gpkg), GML (.gml), DXF (.dxf - for CAD data), CSV (.csv with coordinates), SQLite/SpatiaLite (.sqlite), PostGIS (PostgreSQL spatial database)
• Raster Data: TIFF (.tif), JPEG (.jpg), PNG (.png), GRID, IMG (ERDAS Imagine), NetCDF (.nc), HDF5, GRIB (for satellite and climate data)
• Tables: Excel (.xlsx, .xls), CSV (.csv), DBF (.dbf), ODS (OpenDocument Spreadsheet)
• Project Files: QGIS Project File (.qgz or .qgs), QGIS Layer Definition (.qlr)
• Web Services: WMS / WMTS (Web Map Services), WFS / WCS (Web Feature/Coverage Services), XYZ Tiles (like OpenStreetMap), ArcGIS REST services
   

Access the software

QGIS software is available for download from the QGIS website. 

QGIS is installed on Data Services workstations located on the 5th floor of Bobst Library. To install on your own machine you can follow our QGIS installation guide for Mac or Windows machines.

Attend a tutorial