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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
