Learn how to harness the combined power of Google Earth Engine (GEE) and QGIS to visualize and analyze satellite imagery—right from your desktop. In this hands-on, one-day course, you’ll work with real satellite data to explore geospatial workflows for environmental monitoring, land use planning, and more. There’s no need for advanced coding or high-performance hardware—just practical tools and step-by-step guidance to help you work smarter with remote sensing and spatial data.
Google Earth Engine (GEE) is a cloud-based platform built for large-scale geospatial analysis. It offers instant access to a vast archive of satellite imagery and global Earth observation data. As a result, users can analyze changes on the planet’s surface over time. Whether for environmental monitoring or disaster response, GEE allows you to run advanced remote sensing tasks without local hardware or complex code.
When combined with QGIS — one of the most popular open-source desktop GIS tools — GEE becomes even more powerful. A dedicated plugin enables QGIS users to access GEE’s cloud-based tools directly from the QGIS interface. In this way, it blends cloud processing with desktop visualization in a seamless experience.
With this setup, you can visualize satellite data such as Landsat-8, apply NDVI calculations to assess vegetation health, and track land cover changes. You’ll also be able to monitor ecosystems over time and space. Consequently, you can generate accurate, detailed visuals that support planning, research, and environmental decisions.
Best of all, the process is designed for usability. The GEE plugin creates a smooth connection between platforms. This means you can work faster, uncover insights more easily, and export high-quality maps and results — all without leaving QGIS. Whether you’re mapping urban growth or assessing forest decline, this integration helps you get more from your spatial data in less time.
This course provides a hands-on introduction to satellite imagery using the combined power of GEE and QGIS. To begin with, you’ll complete guided exercises based on real-world environmental scenarios. These activities will show you how to apply geospatial data in meaningful ways.
First, you’ll learn the fundamentals of GEE and how it connects with QGIS. Then, you’ll install and configure the GEE plugin. After that, you’ll dive into Landsat-8 imagery — visualizing data with false-color composites and performing NDVI analysis to assess vegetation health.
Along the way, you’ll build confidence in interpreting satellite data for land use and environmental monitoring. Additionally, you’ll learn to generate and export results for mapping, reporting, or deeper analysis. By the end, you’ll have a complete, repeatable workflow you can use well beyond the course.
At Geo-ICT, we don’t just teach theory—we show you how to use tools the way professionals do in the field. Whether you’re a GIS beginner or already familiar with QGIS, this course equips you with future-proof skills in geospatial analysis.
Why learners choose this course:
With growing demand for spatial analysis in research, policy, and environmental work, the skills you gain here are both relevant and in-demand.
This one-day course is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience—from installation to analysis.
You’ll begin by learning the fundamentals of Google Earth Engine: what it is, how it works, and the kinds of satellite data it gives you access to. From there, you’ll shift into QGIS, where you’ll install and configure the GEE plugin to connect both platforms.
Once you’re set up, you’ll dive into practical exercises. You’ll import Landsat-8 imagery, explore both RGB and false-color visualizations, and begin identifying key landscape features. In the afternoon, you’ll calculate NDVI to assess vegetation health and apply that analysis to real-world scenarios like environmental monitoring and sustainable land planning.
By the end of the day, you’ll have completed a full geospatial workflow—from setup and image import to analysis and visualization—using the combined power of GEE and QGIS.
After completing this course, you’ll be able to:
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.
