Total study time: 24 hours
Want to make geospatial data more visual and easier to understand? In this one-on-one course, you’ll learn how to design maps that are both visually appealing and highly informative. With expert guidance and practice-based sessions, you’ll explore how to use color, symbology, and layout to create compelling visualizations. The result? Immediately applicable cartography skills in QGIS.
Cartography is both a craft and a science—it transforms geographic data into meaningful visual stories. A well-designed map helps users see patterns, trends, and relationships that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you’re involved in spatial analysis, urban planning, or policy communication, map design plays a critical role in how you share geographic insights.
QGIS is a popular open-source GIS platform that lets you create professional-quality maps. It includes a wide range of tools for processing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. With QGIS, you can style layers, apply symbology, build advanced layouts, and export polished maps—all without the cost of commercial software.
Cartographic design is used across many fields—from environmental research and infrastructure planning to public communication and education. Whether you’re making maps for a report, presentation, or dashboard, QGIS gives you the tools to turn your data into clear, engaging visuals.
To design effective maps, you need more than just software skills—you also need a strong grasp of visual design principles. This course shows you how to turn raw geodata into maps that are easy to read, visually compelling, and purpose-driven.
You’ll start by learning the core elements of cartographic design, including color theory, typography, and symbology. Then you’ll dive into QGIS, where you’ll manage map layers, run spatial analyses, and build clean compositions. To take your designs further, you’ll use Inkscape to create custom vector symbols and GIMP to refine your map layout and visual polish.
Throughout the course, you’ll complete practical assignments using real data. Step by step, you’ll build a full map—from raw input to final export—tailored to a specific use case. You’ll learn how to make informed design choices that help users quickly understand your map’s message.
By the end, you’ll be able to design maps that are not only technically accurate but also visually powerful and easy to interpret.
Blended learning gives you the best of both worlds—live interaction and flexible self-paced study—so you can build real, job-ready cartographic skills in QGIS.
We start with a live session where you’ll jump right into QGIS. With guidance from experienced GIS experts, you’ll begin building your first maps, exploring color, layout, and symbology using real datasets.
Next, the self-paced modules let you go deeper at your own speed. You’ll cover topics like raster and vector styling, typography, legend design, and visual hierarchy. You’ll also work with Inkscape to create custom map symbols and use GIMP to optimize your final presentation.
In a second live session, you’ll apply everything to a realistic mapping project. You’ll refine your design, get personal feedback, and troubleshoot common challenges.
One of the standout features of this course is its creative, hands-on focus. You’ll create publication-ready outputs—like maps for reports, dashboards, or research—designed to be both clear and compelling.
By combining expert-led instruction with guided practice, this course helps you move beyond the basics. You’ll finish with the skills and confidence to create professional maps that communicate geospatial information with clarity and impact.
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.