UNIT: GIS
SCHOOL: SCHOOL OF ENGNEERING.
COURSE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN TELECOMMUNICATONS AND NFORMATION
ENGINEERING.
LAB TECHNICIAN:
GROUP MEMBERS. REGISTRATION NUMBER. SIGNATURE.
KELVIN MUNYUA E020-01-2531/2020
ROBERT MUTUNZI E020-01-0869/2020
PAUL PHINEAS MACHANDA E020-01-0194/2020
VICTOR MUTHAURA E020-01-0891/2020
EUSTUS MURIITHI E020-01-0606/2019
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES.
The overall aim of this lab was to introduce the fundamental principles of GIS and practical
skills in using QGIS for basic spatial data manipulation and visualization.
THEORY.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools for capturing, managing,
analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. They allow users to integrate various types of
spatial information, such as geographical features, environmental data, and demographic
statistics.
GIS utilizes two main types of spatial data:
Vector data: Represents discrete features with points, lines, or polygons (e.g., rivers, roads,
buildings).
Raster data: Represents continuous data as a grid of cells, often used for imagery and
environmental data (e.g., satellite images, elevation models).
Spatial data also requires a specific projection system to accurately represent locations on a
flat map surface. These projections account for the Earth's curvature and ensure accurate
spatial relationships between features.
PROCEDURE.
1.A brief overview of GIS concepts like spatial data types, projections, and coordinate
systems was provided.
2.The instructor guided the exploration of the QGIS interface, highlighting key elements like
the map canvas, layers panel, attribute table, and toolbars.
3.We loaded sample spatial data in different formats (e.g., point data of parks, shapefile of
administrative boundaries) into a new QGIS project. Participants practiced adding, removing,
and manipulating data layers.
4.We practiced basic navigation techniques, such as zooming and panning on the map canvas.
Participants learned how to visualize spatial data by assigning symbols and colors to
represent different features.
5.We created a basic map by adding a base map (e.g., OpenStreetMap), loading the sample
data, and customizing map elements like title, legend, scale bar, and north arrow.
DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
This lab successfully provided an introduction to GIS principles and practical skills in using
QGIS. Participants gained an understanding of the different types of spatial data and the
importance of projections. Exploring the QGIS interface allowed for familiarity with essential
tools for data management and map creation.
The lab demonstrated that QGIS provides a user-friendly platform for basic spatial analysis
and visualization. By loading various data formats and applying simple customization
techniques, users can effectively communicate information through maps.
However, this lab only touched upon the vast functionalities of GIS and QGIS. Further
exploration is needed to delve deeper into advanced spatial analysis techniques, data editing,
and creating complex maps with additional features.
CONCLUSION.
This lab provided a valuable foundation for understanding the power of GIS and QGIS. The
acquired skills can be further developed to explore and analyze spatial data relevant to
various fields, including environmental science, urban planning, and public health.
By continuing to learn and explore the capabilities of QGIS, users can unlock its potential for
tackling real-world geospatial problems and creating insightful data-driven visualizations.
