GIS - Open Source
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 real-world experience 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 control, 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.
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. The course explores how QGIS compares to other GIS solutions and how organizations can implement policies around it.
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 participate in this course. If you do not yet have this knowledge, we recommend that you first take the QGIS Basic Training.
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’ll learn how to manage, select, and monitor plugins to ensure stability and security.
In addition, the course devotes extensive attention 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.
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 the GDPR, data access, and securing external integrations are also covered.
The QGIS Application Management course is highly practical. Participants can bring their own situations and challenges to the course, ensuring that the content aligns perfectly with daily management practices. The course can be tailored to emphasize specific areas based on the participants’ experience and needs.
The course is intended for:
Do you have little experience with QGIS itself? If so, we recommend taking a QGIS Fundamentals course first.
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:
With this course, you’ll lay a solid foundation for the sustainable and professional use of QGIS within your organization.
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Contact usThe first day of the course is entirely devoted to establishing a solid foundation for QGIS within the organization. We’ll begin by exploring the role of QGIS within the organization and the decisions that come with it. 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 course delves extensively into the installation and deployment of QGIS. Various installation methods are covered, 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. In addition, the course covers how to store QGIS projects 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, both technically and organizationally, to ensure stable and manageable deployment within a professional environment.
The second day of the course focuses on the day-to-day management of QGIS in a production environment. The course begins with plugin management, an essential part of QGIS application management. Participants will learn how to determine which plugins are suitable for use within the organization and how to manage installations, updates, and dependencies.
Next, the focus shifts to data sources and connections. The session covers managing PostGIS database connections, using authentication profiles, and setting up permission structures. Attention is also given to performance and stability when working with central databases and external services.
Next, the course covers collaboration. Participants learn how QGIS projects can be used by multiple users and what guidelines are necessary to prevent conflicts and errors. This includes an examination of central storage, version control, and team workflows.
The course concludes with maintenance, security, and support. Topics such as data security, the GDPR, logging, error analysis, and update policies are covered. Participants receive practical guidance on setting up a management and support structure tailored to their organization.
By the end of Day 2, participants will have the knowledge and insights needed to sustainably manage, support, and further develop QGIS within their organization.
The participant:
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-company or private course? We’d be happy to help.
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.
