The QGIS Application Management course focuses on the professional management of QGIS within organizations. Participants learn how to centrally install, configure, secure, and maintain QGIS in a production environment. The course also covers plugin management, data sources, updates, and support processes. It is practice-oriented and based on experiences in municipal and government settings.
QGIS has evolved into a fully-fledged and widely used desktop GIS solution within government agencies and organizations. Because QGIS is open source and available without license fees, more and more organizations are switching to this software. However, this requires a professional setup and management structure to ensure stability, security, and continuity.
QGIS Application Management focuses on managing QGIS as an organization-wide application, rather than for individual use. This includes central installation, configuration, version management, plugin management, and integration with databases and services. Effective application management ensures that users can work efficiently within clear guidelines, while keeping the administrative burden manageable.
QGIS within the Organization
In a professional environment, QGIS is often used by multiple departments and user groups. Application management plays a key role here by defining standards for installations, profiles, and settings. This creates a uniform working environment in which support, documentation, and updates are easier to organize.
In addition, the use of open-source software requires clear agreements regarding governance, support, and responsibilities. During the course, we will discuss how QGIS compares to other GIS solutions and how organizations can implement policies for this.
QGIS in Practice: Management, Configuration, and Maintenance
In practice, QGIS application management revolves around making informed choices. Which QGIS version should be used (LTR or the latest release)? How are updates tested and rolled out? And how do you handle multiple versions within a single organization?
During the course, participants will learn how to centrally install and configure QGIS, manage user profiles, and define default settings. Attention will also be given to the use of templates, project structures, and the central storage of QGIS projects.
Please note! A solid basic knowledge of QGIS is required to follow this course. If you do not yet have this, we recommend first taking the QGIS basic training.
Plugins, Data Sources, and Connections
Plugins make QGIS powerful, but they also present management challenges. Not every plugin is suitable for use in a production environment. In the QGIS Application Management course, you will learn how to manage, select, and monitor plugins to ensure stability and security.
In addition, extensive attention is given to managing data sources, such as PostGIS databases, network files, and web services (WMS/WFS). Topics such as authentication, permission structures, and performance optimization are covered.
Maintenance, Security, and Support
A well-designed management environment prevents disruptions and data loss. That is why the course focuses on maintenance processes, error analysis, logging, and setting up a support structure. Topics such as GDPR, data access, and the security of external connections are also covered.
The QGIS Application Management course is highly practical. Participants can bring their own situations and challenges to the table, ensuring the content aligns perfectly with daily management practices. Based on the participants’ experience and needs, the course can be tailored to specific areas of focus.
Who is this course intended for?
The course is intended for:
GIS and application administrators
GEO functional administrators
IT administrators who support QGIS
Organizations transitioning to QGIS
Do you have little experience with QGIS itself? If so, we recommend taking a QGIS Fundamentals course first.
Why choose the QGIS Application Management course?
Choosing the QGIS Application Management course means opting for a solid and future-proof implementation of QGIS within your organization. The course stands out because of:
Practical experience: based on administration in municipal and professional environments
Immediately applicable: focus on daily management tasks
Structure and overview: control over installations, plugins, data, and updates
With this course, you lay a solid foundation for the sustainable and professional use of QGIS within your organization.
The first day of the course is entirely devoted to establishing a solid foundation for QGIS within the organization. We begin by exploring the role of QGIS in the organization and the decisions involved. Participants will gain insight into how QGIS compares to other GIS solutions and what the use of open-source software means for management, governance, and support.
Next, the installation and deployment of QGIS are covered in detail. Various installation methods are discussed, as well as managing multiple QGIS versions side by side. Attention is given to version management, performing updates in a controlled manner, and mitigating risks associated with new releases.
An important part of Day 1 is the configuration of QGIS. Participants learn how user profiles are structured and how settings can be centrally defined. Applying standard configurations creates a uniform working environment for all users. Additionally, the course discusses how QGIS projects can be stored in a structured manner and how to work with fixed project templates to ensure consistency.
By the end of the first day, participants will have a clear understanding of how QGIS should be set up technically and organizationally to ensure stable and manageable deployment within a professional environment.
Day 2 – Management, Integrations, and Continuity
The second day of the course focuses on the day-to-day management of QGIS in a production environment. We begin with plugin management, an essential component of QGIS application management. Participants will learn how to determine which plugins are suitable for use within the organization and how to manage their installation, updates, and dependencies.
The focus then shifts to data sources and connections. We will cover managing PostGIS database connections, using authentication profiles, and setting up permission structures. Attention will also be given to performance and stability when working with central databases and external services.
Next, collaboration is addressed. Participants learn how QGIS projects can be used by multiple users and what agreements are necessary to prevent conflicts and errors. This includes an examination of central storage, version control, and working methods within teams.
The course concludes with maintenance, security, and support. Topics such as data security, GDPR, logging, error analysis, and update policies are covered. Participants receive practical guidance on setting up a management and support structure that fits their organization.
By the end of Day 2, participants will have the knowledge and insights to sustainably manage, support, and further develop QGIS within their organization.
Learning Objectives for the QGIS Application Management Course
The participant:
Is able to centrally install, configure, and standardize QGIS within an organization.
Can set up a manageable QGIS environment with clear guidelines for version and update management.
Knows how to manage plugins, data sources, and database connections in a controlled manner within a production environment.
Can organize QGIS projects, user profiles, and templates in a uniform and secure manner.
Is able to set up and implement an appropriate management, maintenance, and support process for QGIS.
Want to know more?
Do you have questions about the course content? Or are you unsure whether the course aligns with your learning goals or preferences? Would you prefer an in-house or private course? We’d be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About QGIS Application Management
Absolutely, the course is ideal for organizations that are (partially) switching from ArcGIS to QGIS. It covers differences in management, licensing, architecture, and workflows, enabling application administrators to make informed decisions when setting up QGIS.
Basic knowledge of GIS and experience using QGIS is preferred. The course does not focus on map use or analysis, but rather on the installation, configuration, management, and support of QGIS within an organization. If you do not yet have this foundational knowledge, we recommend the QGIS basic training course offered by Geo-ICT.
Within a municipality, QGIS is often used by multiple departments, such as GIS, urban planning, public space management, and policy. Application management in this context means that QGIS is centrally configured, with fixed versions, verified plugins, and standard project structures, so that users can work securely and consistently. In addition, coordination with IT, information security, and GDPR plays an important role in database connections, data access, and the use of external services.
Yes, update management, security, and continuity are key components of the course. The course covers working with QGIS LTR versions, testing updates, mitigating risks, and setting up a stable management and support structure.
Request a quote
Search the website
Find courses, MOOC content, articles and more in one place.