Coordinate Reference Systems and Spatial Data

Coordinate reference systems and spatial data

If you work with geodata, maps, or spatial analysis, you already know that everything depends on accurate location information. Coordinate reference systems (CRS) and spatial data form the foundation of every geospatial project.

From GPS routing and geo-tagging to environmental studies, location plays a critical role. At the heart of it are two essential questions: “Where am I?” and “How do I display my data correctly?”

To answer the first, you need a CRS that links your data to real-world locations. Because we live in a 3D world but display data on 2D maps, that location data must be projected carefully—from globe to flat surface.

To answer the second, it’s important to know what kind of data you’re working with. Are you dealing with exact points and lines, or with raster data like temperature or elevation? Making the right choices ensures your analysis is accurate, reliable, and easy to interpret.

In this course, you’ll explore how CRS works, how to apply spatial data correctly, and how to avoid common mistakes that can distort your results. You’ll build a solid foundation for tackling any geospatial challenge.

What will you learn in this blended learning course?

In this blended learning course, you’ll learn how coordinate reference systems work and why they’re essential when processing and analyzing spatial data. You’ll explore the difference between geographic and projected coordinate systems, how to use EPSG codes, and how to choose the right CRS for your specific needs.

You’ll also explore the world of map projections—learning what types exist, when to use them, and how to project 3D data onto a 2D map accurately. Understanding projections is a vital skill for any GIS professional.

Next, you’ll dig into spatial data representation. You’ll compare raster and vector models, learn when to use each, and discover how to access reliable (and often free) geospatial datasets that are ready to use.

Finally, you’ll bring everything together inside a GIS environment. You’ll practice interpreting, editing, and visualizing spatial data in QGIS. By the end of the course, you’ll know how to carry out spatial analyses and create trustworthy, high-quality maps—without errors caused by misaligned datasets or incorrect settings.

Why choose this course on Coordinate Reference Systems and Spatial Data?

Blended learning gives you the best of both worlds—live interaction and flexible self-paced study—so you can develop real, job-ready skills in working with CRS and spatial data. In this course, you’ll get hands-on with QGIS and gain the confidence to handle geospatial data from start to finish.

We kick off with a live session where you’ll dive into real datasets right away. With guidance from experienced GIS professionals, you’ll learn how to identify CRS types, apply EPSG codes, and perform accurate coordinate transformations in QGIS.

Next, our self-paced modules allow you to explore key concepts at your own pace. You’ll cover map projections, spatial data models, and raster vs. vector formats. Throughout, you’ll practice combining datasets while learning how to prevent projection errors and misalignments.

Then, in a second live session, you’ll apply your new skills to a real-world scenario. You’ll troubleshoot common CRS issues, refine your workflow, and get personalized feedback to improve your results.

What sets this course apart is its focus on real-world relevance. You’ll complete hands-on exercises that reflect everyday challenges in planning, environmental monitoring, and spatial data analysis. That means the maps you produce won’t just be examples—they’ll be ready to use in your professional work.

By combining expert-led training with flexible learning, this course helps you go beyond just understanding the theory. By the end, you’ll know how to manage CRS settings confidently, fix projection issues, and produce accurate, reliable spatial outputs to support better decision-making.