GIS - Open Source
In the QGIS Copernicus course, you’ll learn how to work with up-to-date satellite imagery and Earth observation data—step by step. Discover how to use free, open-source tools to analyze landscapes, map changes, and create impressive visualizations. No experience required—just immediate results.
Would you like to learn how to use up-to-date satellite imagery to gain insights into our planet? In this course, you’ll learn how to work independently with satellite imagery and geographic datasets using QGIS and Copernicus data from the European Earth observation program.
QGIS (Quantum GIS) is a powerful, open-source program used worldwide to view, analyze, and visualize geographic information—such as elevation maps, aerial photos, and vector files. You’ll discover how to use QGIS to create accurate maps and reveal spatial patterns.
Copernicus is the European Union’s Earth observation program and offers freely accessible, high-quality satellite data. This includes imagery from the Sentinel program, which you can use to analyze changes in land use, vegetation, water, and climate. In this course, you’ll learn how to find, download, process, and apply this data in QGIS.
By combining QGIS and Copernicus, you’ll gain powerful insights into how our planet is changing. Whether you’re working in environmental analysis, spatial planning, education, or research—this workflow lets you turn up-to-date information into compelling maps and analyses.
You’ll use free, open-source software, work at your own pace, and develop a new skill set at the intersection of satellite data and geoinformation. Practical, accessible, and surprisingly educational—even if you have no prior experience.
In this course, you’ll learn step by step how to turn satellite data into clear and actionable geographic analyses.
You’ll start with the basics: how to find, download, and import Copernicus Sentinel data into QGIS. You’ll learn how to combine different layers, filter data, and create visualizations that provide insights into natural and urban processes.
Next, you’ll discover how to analyze and interpret imagery—from vegetation and water quality to land use and urban growth. You’ll learn to work with raster analysis, color composites, and time series to track changes over time.
Whether you’re involved in environmental management, spatial analysis, or are simply curious about the possibilities of satellite data—this course gives you everything you need to turn raw imagery into something meaningful.
In short: no prior knowledge required, with clear explanations, hands-on assignments, and inspiring examples.
This course offers something unique: a combination of open data and open tools that lets you learn to use Earth observation data on your own. While other training programs focus on either GIS or remote sensing, here you’ll learn how to bring both worlds together into a single, accessible workflow.
You’ll learn:
The course is designed for hands-on, visual, and self-paced learning. Everything is explained step by step, without requiring expensive software or prior knowledge.
Whether you want to expand your skills, support research, or are simply curious about the power of satellite imagery—this course will give you the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to get started with real Earth observation data.
This course is for anyone who wants to discover what you can do with satellite and geodata. Do you work in the environment, land-use planning, education, or research? Or are you simply curious about how to analyze the Earth from space? Then this course is for you.
No prior experience with GIS or satellite data is required. The course is accessible, practical, and hands-on. You’ll learn, step by step, how to turn Copernicus data into meaningful maps and insights.
Have you worked with QGIS before and want to know how to integrate real satellite imagery into your analyses? Then this course offers just the right level of depth. You’ll discover how to use open data effectively to tell up-to-date, visually compelling, and reliable geographic stories.
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Contact usThe first day is all about getting acquainted with QGIS and the world of geographic data. You’ll learn how QGIS is structured, how to work with layers, projections, and different types of data—from vector files to aerial photos. We’ll explore how to build maps, apply symbology, and perform analyses using simple spatial tools. Step by step, you’ll learn how to make geographic information understandable: you’ll create your own map, add datasets, and discover how QGIS brings data to life visually. The day concludes with a brief introduction to remote sensing: what is satellite data, how does it differ from regular maps, and why is Copernicus such a valuable resource?
On the second day, we’ll dive deeper into the use of satellite data in QGIS. You’ll learn where and how to find, download, and import Copernicus and Sentinel images. Next, you’ll work with band compositions, color images, and raster analyses to visualize land use, vegetation, and changes.
You’ll discover how to combine different spectral bands to identify patterns—from urban growth to water quality. Afterward, you’ll learn how to clearly present your results in maps and reports.
The day concludes with a hands-on exercise in which you’ll analyze a current satellite dataset and transform it into a map product that’s immediately applicable for research, planning, or policy.
Do you have questions about the course content? Or are you unsure whether the course aligns with your learning goals or preferences? Would you prefer an in-house or private course? We’d be happy to help.
The Copernicus Plugin is an extension for QGIS that gives you direct access to satellite data from the European Copernicus program, including the Sentinel missions. Using the plugin, you can search for, download, and visualize data without needing external tools.
No, prior knowledge of satellite data is not required. Basic experience with QGIS is helpful, but everything is explained step by step in the course. You will learn both how the plugin works and how to interpret the images you retrieve using it.
You can download various types of data, such as optical imagery from Sentinel-2, radar imagery from Sentinel-1, and atmospheric data from Sentinel-5P. The course focuses primarily on the practical application of these datasets for spatial analysis and map visualization.
After completing this course, you’ll be able to independently find, download, and analyze up-to-date satellite imagery in QGIS. You’ll know how to select relevant bands, create color maps, and visualize changes in the landscape. In short: you’ll be able to use Copernicus data directly for your own projects or research.
