GIS - Open Source
In this course, you’ll learn how to search for, filter, view, and download NASA Earth datasets directly within QGIS—without any programming. The plugin gives you fast and seamless access to Earthdata within your existing GIS workflow, including the ability to highlight selected footprints and clear search results without resetting your settings. Thanks to the built-in update checker, you can always work with the latest version of the plugin with just one click.
Would you like to learn how to easily access high-quality satellite and Earth observation data from NASA, directly within your GIS environment? In the QGIS NASA Earthdata course, you’ll learn how to search for, filter, view, and download NASA Earthdata using QGIS—without any programming. You’ll discover how to efficiently use global datasets for analysis, monitoring, and research.
QGIS is a powerful open-source GIS platform for analyzing and visualizing geographic data. In this course, you’ll build on your basic QGIS knowledge and learn how to work with the NASA Earthdata QGIS plugin. You’ll gain insight into the Earthdata ecosystem and learn how to select relevant datasets based on space, time, and theme, fully integrated into your existing GIS workflow.
Working with NASA Earthdata goes beyond simply downloading data. You’ll learn how to interpret footprints and metadata, how to preview datasets, and how to effectively combine different types of Earth observation data (such as climate, atmospheric, land, and ocean data) with other GIS layers. This ensures that you always work with appropriate and reliable source data.
In the QGIS NASA Earthdata course, you’ll learn how to apply satellite and Earth observation data in practical ways for analyses and projects—for example, in environmental research, climate studies, spatial planning, or education. The course shows you how to quickly access NASA data using open-source tools, without complex portals or external software.
Please note! Prior knowledge of QGIS is required for this course. Check out the QGIS Basic Training course.
In this course, you’ll learn step by step how to use NASA Earthdata within QGIS. You’ll start with the basics: what NASA Earthdata is, what types of datasets are available, and how the QGIS plugin works.
Next, you’ll get hands-on practice with:
You’ll learn not only how to retrieve data, but also how to select and apply it responsibly.
This course is unique because it significantly lowers the barrier to entry for GIS users when it comes to NASA Earthdata. No complex web interfaces or scripts—just direct access to global Earth observation data within QGIS.
Among other things, you’ll learn:
The course is practical, open source, and focused on direct applicability in realistic GIS scenarios.
This course is intended for GIS users who want to work with up-to-date and reliable satellite and Earth observation data. Do you work in the fields of the environment, climate, land use planning, water management, agriculture, research, education, or cartography? If so, this course offers immediate value.
You’ll need a basic understanding of QGIS, but no prior experience with remote sensing or programming is required. Do you want to quickly and efficiently incorporate NASA data into your GIS projects? Then QGIS NASA Earthdata is the logical next step.
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Contact usThe first day is focused on understanding the NASA Earthdata ecosystem and working with the NASA Earthdata QGIS plugin within QGIS. You’ll learn what types of Earth observation data are available, how to search for and filter datasets by location, time, and theme, and how to interpret metadata and footprints. You’ll then get hands-on experience previewing, selecting, and downloading NASA datasets, as well as loading them correctly into QGIS.
On day two, the focus is on applying NASA Earthdata in substantive GIS analyses. You’ll learn how to combine Earthdata with existing vector and raster layers, how to use temporal dimensions, and how to prepare data for further analysis, visualization, or monitoring. You’ll also work on practical workflows that utilize NASA data for topics such as the environment, climate, land use, and water. By the end of the day, you’ll be able to independently and efficiently integrate Earthdata into your daily GIS tasks and projects.
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.
No, you work entirely within QGIS using the NASA Earthdata QGIS plugin. No programming experience is required.
A basic understanding of QGIS is sufficient, such as working with vector and raster layers. Knowledge of remote sensing is not required. If you are not yet familiar with QGIS, check out our basic QGIS course
You'll have access to a wide range of NASA Earth Observation data, including climate, atmospheric, land, water, and ocean datasets.
Yes, the downloaded datasets can be used directly in QGIS and are suitable for analysis, monitoring, reporting, education, and research.
