QGIS Point Clouds

Total study time: 24 hours

Want to work more efficiently with point cloud data in QGIS? In this one-on-one course, you'll learn how to manage, filter, and interpolate point clouds using advanced GIS tools. Discover how to create Virtual Point Clouds (VPCs), convert point clouds into raster data, and automate workflows with PDAL Wrench. With expert guidance and hands-on assignments, you'll apply these techniques directly to your GIS workflows.

Introduction to QGIS point clouds

Point clouds are collections of millions of measurement points that capture the shape of landscapes, buildings, or objects. Typically collected via LiDAR scanners, drones, or photogrammetry, point clouds play a vital role in spatial analysis and 3D modeling.

QGIS allows you to not only view but also edit, filter, and analyze point clouds. Tools like PDAL Wrench, IDW, and TIN enable geospatial professionals to perform detailed calculations and gain valuable spatial insights.

PDAL Wrench automates the processing of large point cloud datasets, making analysis faster and more efficient. IDW (Inverse Distance Weighting) estimates unknown values based on nearby points, which is ideal for generating elevation models. TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) converts point cloud data into a network of triangles, providing a precise 3D representation of terrain.

Point clouds are crucial in GIS and geodata analysis. They support industries such as urban planning, environmental studies, and infrastructure management. When combined with other geographic datasets in QGIS, they provide powerful tools to address complex spatial challenges more effectively.

What will you learn in this blended learning course?

In this course, you’ll gain the skills to process and analyze point cloud data in QGIS. A combination of online theory and interactive sessions will provide hands-on experience with LiDAR data, point clouds, and essential GIS tools.

You’ll start by learning the fundamentals: how point clouds are collected, the common file formats, and how to import them into QGIS. From there, you’ll explore the creation and usage of Virtual Point Clouds (VPCs), which help you handle large datasets efficiently without overloading your system.

A key focus of the course is converting point clouds into raster data. Using methods like IDW and TIN, you’ll turn raw point clouds into useful elevation models and 3D maps. Additionally, you’ll learn techniques to filter out noise, ensuring better data quality and reliability.

Next, you’ll work with PDAL Wrench to automate repetitive tasks, which will allow you to process large datasets quickly and efficiently.

As the course progresses, you’ll discover how to integrate point cloud data with other spatial datasets. This will enable you to perform detailed analyses for practical applications, such as city planning, infrastructure management, and environmental studies. The course wraps up with hands-on assignments, where you’ll apply your newly acquired skills to process, filter, and visualize real datasets.

By the end of this course, you’ll confidently process, analyze, and visualize point cloud data in QGIS. With a strong foundation in spatial interpolation, classification, and 3D visualization, you’ll be ready to use point cloud data effectively in your GIS projects.

Why choose this QGIS point clouds course?

Blended learning gives you the best of both worlds—live interaction and flexible self-paced study—allowing you to develop practical, real-world skills with QGIS and point cloud data.

We begin with a live session where you’ll dive into real point cloud datasets. With expert guidance, you’ll process, visualize, and analyze data, learning to apply techniques like filtering and using PDAL Wrench to streamline workflows.

Next, our self-paced modules let you dive deeper into key concepts at your own speed. You’ll learn how to convert point clouds into raster data, create VPCs, and generate detailed 3D models in QGIS.

In the second live session, you’ll put your knowledge into practice. You’ll troubleshoot challenges, refine your work, and integrate point cloud data into your workflows for more accurate analysis.

One of the highlights of this course is its hands-on approach. You’ll work with real datasets to create maps and 3D models that you can use in your own projects.

By combining expert guidance with flexible learning, this course ensures you’ll not only learn how to use QGIS—you’ll know how to apply point cloud data effectively in real-world GIS projects. By the end of the course, you’ll confidently manage, analyze, and visualize point clouds, making better decisions in your GIS work.

Sign up for this
Blended Learning

    Price: €395 (excl. VAT)



    Start:
     2-hour online session


    Self-study:
     Review course materials


    End:
     1-hour online session



    You’ll receive 1-on-1 guidance. After signing up, our course coordinator will contact you to schedule your first session.

    Learning Outcomes

    After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

    • Create and use Virtual Point Clouds (VPCs) for efficient processing of large point cloud datasets.
    • Interpolate point clouds into raster data using IDW and TIN for accurate spatial analysis.
    • Filter point cloud data to remove noise and improve data quality.
    • Use PDAL Wrench to automate workflows and process point cloud data more efficiently.

    More Information?

    Do you have questions about the course content? Not sure if the course aligns with your learning objectives? Or would you prefer a private session or in-company training? We’re happy to assist—feel free to get in touch.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We aim to make our courses accessible to as many people as possible. If the course fee is a concern, instead of registering directly, you can indicate on the registration form that you’d like to receive a quote tailored to your needs. In many cases, we can offer flexible solutions. For instance, we can adjust the course content for large groups, shorten the course based on existing knowledge, or offer daily rates to suit your requirements.

    Yes, you can reach out to the instructor with questions for up to 2 weeks after the course. Since the instructor is likely teaching other courses, we recommend emailing your questions to info@geo-ict.com. We’ll forward your inquiry to the instructor, and you’ll receive a response within 24 hours. After the 2-week period, we recommend using our Personalized Online Support for continued assistance.

     

    Yes, we offer on-site training regularly throughout the Netherlands. Our instructor will bring laptops for the participants, and all you need to do is arrange a suitable room at your location.

    Please send your requirements to info@geo-ict.com, and we will provide a customized quote, which will include travel and accommodation costs. Once the quote is confirmed, our course coordinator will reach out to schedule the training days.

    After each course, participants receive a link to our evaluation portal where you can share your feedback on what you liked and didn’t like. We strive to provide a great experience for all our participants, but if you have a complaint, please click on ‘Complaints Procedure’ in the portal. This document will guide you through the steps to take. Geo-ICT Training Center, Netherlands, is a member of the Dutch Council for Training and Education (NRTO), ensuring a fair and transparent process.

    Courses are typically scheduled according to the Dutch time zone, with sessions running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For participants in different time zones, we adjust the course times in consultation with you.