Unlock the power of cloud-scale data and spatial insights. In this practical, hands-on course, you’ll learn how to use Google BigQuery for big data analysis and QGIS for visualizing and interpreting geographic information. Perfect for data analysts, GIS professionals, and anyone working with geo-data at scale.
Google BigQuery and QGIS
GoogleData analysis with Google BigQuery and QGIS
In a world where data is growing faster than ever, the ability to analyze and understand that data is a must-have skill. Data analysis helps us identify trends, make smarter decisions, and find new opportunities. But when combined with geographic data—through Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—we unlock a whole new level of insight.
GIS lets us connect data to location, helping us understand not just “what” is happening, but “where,” “why,” and “how.” This spatial perspective reveals patterns that often go unnoticed in traditional data analysis. Whether you’re mapping traffic flow, tracking environmental changes, or planning new developments, spatial data brings the bigger picture into focus.
That’s where Google BigQuery and QGIS come in. BigQuery is a powerful, serverless cloud platform that makes it easy to analyze huge datasets using SQL. It’s fast, scalable, and perfect for working with real-time or historical data. QGIS, on the other hand, is a widely used open-source GIS application that helps you turn raw data into meaningful visual stories through maps and spatial analysis.
Together, they offer an unbeatable combination: speed, scalability, and deep insight. In this course, you’ll learn how to run big data queries in BigQuery, bring your results into QGIS, and create impactful geo-visualizations that support smarter decisions. No prior experience with Google Cloud is needed, but basic knowledge of SQL is recommended. If you’re new to that, our SQL Basics course is a great place to start.
What will you learn
In this course, you’ll gain hands-on experience with both Google BigQuery and QGIS. You’ll start by learning how BigQuery works—loading datasets, running SQL queries, and managing data in a cloud-based environment. You’ll also explore how to use standard SQL to analyze large-scale data quickly and efficiently.
Next, you’ll focus on connecting that data to the real world using QGIS. You’ll learn how to export results from BigQuery and use them in spatial projects, styling your maps and performing simple geographic analyses. As you grow more confident, you’ll dive into more advanced topics like filtering, spatial joins, and clustering.
Throughout the course, you’ll work with real datasets and practical exercises. You’ll practice integrating big data with location intelligence and discover how these tools work together to solve real problems. By the end, you’ll know how to turn massive datasets into clear, location-based insights using two of the most powerful tools available today.
Why choose this course
At Geo-ICT, we don’t just teach you the tools—we teach you how to apply them in the real world. This course is ideal for data analysts, GIS professionals, and business intelligence specialists who want to bridge the gap between big data and spatial analysis.
- Hands-on focus: Learn by doing, with practical exercises using real data in both BigQuery and QGIS.
- Expert-led instruction: Taught by professionals with real-world experience in big data and geospatial analysis.
- Modern tools: Work with the latest industry tools, including Google BigQuery, QGIS, and Google Cloud services.
- Future-ready skills: Gain in-demand skills that apply across industries—from logistics and planning to climate science and business intelligence.
It’s clear that the ability to analyze data and interpret geo-information is not only valuable but essential in our rapidly changing world. The Google BigQuery and QGIS course at Geo-ICT offers the opportunity to master these skills, increase your employability, and contribute to data-driven solutions for complex challenges.
By taking this course, you will not only become proficient in using advanced tools for data analysis and GIS, but also gain deeper insight into how to transform data into insights that can guide and improve decision-making. In a world increasingly reliant on big data, these skills place you at the forefront of technological advancement.
Course structure
Day 1
You’ll start with an overview of Google BigQuery and its capabilities. After learning the basics, you’ll begin loading data—both from files and live streams—into the platform. Using SQL, you’ll run your first queries and explore how to process and manage large datasets efficiently in the cloud. You’ll also see how BigQuery can be connected to QGIS for spatial analysis.
Day 2
The second day focuses on QGIS. After a short refresher on QGIS basics, you’ll begin exporting data from BigQuery into QGIS. Through step-by-step exercises, you’ll learn how to visualize this data and take your first steps into spatial analysis by styling layers and applying filters.
Day 3
On the final day, you’ll go deeper into analysis. You’ll explore more advanced SQL queries and use QGIS to analyze and visualize your findings. From clustering to spatial joins, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned in a final project that brings it all together—running cloud-based queries and turning the results into a fully visual map analysis.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and apply advanced data analysis techniques in Google BigQuery and QGIS
- Load, query, and manage large datasets using SQL in BigQuery
- Integrate BigQuery with QGIS to create insightful geographic visualizations
- Choose and apply the right analysis methods for different types of geo-data
- Build clear, compelling visual stories by mapping your data in QGIS
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 about Google BigQuery en QGIS
In this course, you will learn how to analyze BigData using Google’s BigQuery, including the use of SQL query language and integration with QGIS.
Yes, the course is designed for both beginners and experienced professionals who want to expand their knowledge of BigData analysis and Geo-ICT.
You will learn how to make the most of your Google Cloud account for data analysis and storage, with practical applications in BigQuery and Google Cloud Storage.
Absolutely, the course includes hands-on training for loading and managing data in BigQuery, essential for effective data analysis.
This course provides essential skills in advanced data analysis and Geo-ICT, significantly enhancing your expertise and career opportunities in the geospatial sector. You will gain hands-on experience with tools like Google BigQuery and QGIS, enabling you to efficiently manage and analyze large geospatial datasets. These skills are in high demand across various industries, such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and agriculture. By mastering these technologies, you will be better equipped to solve complex geospatial challenges, making you a valuable asset to employers in the growing field of geoinformatics.
You will learn how to load data into BigQuery, perform SQL queries, export data to Google Cloud Storage, and conduct complex data analyses and QGIS analyses.
No, prior knowledge of Google Cloud Platform is not required, but basic knowledge of databases and SQL is necessary