Intro to Geospatial Python Programming with QGIS (Virtual) Online
Would you like to learn how to enhance your open source mapping using coding? This free, two-hour workshop from the Map and Data Library will give you a hands-on introduction to geospatial Python programming using QGIS. Designed for learners who have some basic knowledge of GIS and Python, we’ll explore how Python can be used to automate workflows, perform spatial analysis, and interact with desktop GIS environments using QGIS and its Python API.
Together, we’ll work through interactive coding exercises and explore real-world use cases, including spatial data processing, map automation, and error handling. We’ll focus on using PyQGIS, the Python API for QGIS, to build custom scripts and explore how Python can extend QGIS's functionality. We'll also briefly explore how Python can be used to develop your own custom QGIS plugins and standalone scripts.
By the end of this workshop, you'll be able to:
• Understand the role Python can play in working with maps.
• Access and manipulate spatial layers using PyQGIS.
• Automate common GIS tasks like buffering and clipping.
• Load and style multiple map layers programmatically.
• Explore how Python can be used to extend QGIS through plugins and standalone tools.
- Prerequisites:
- Although this is a beginner-friendly workshop, we recommend having taken our introductory QGIS and Python workshops. You can register for a Map and Data Library workshop (or view recordings of previous sessions) here: https://mdl.library.utoronto.ca/support/workshops-and-training
- Audience:
- This workshop is designed for U of T students and researchers.
- Instructor:
- Cole White, GIS Analyst
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a virtual event. If you want to follow along with the technical segment, you will need to have QGIS 3 installed on your computer. You can download it for free from qgis.org.
MDL is committed to making our workshops accessible to everyone. If you'd like to discuss how we can best meet any accessibility needs you may have and help you get the most out of this workshop, please contact Cole White (cole.white@utoronto.ca).
- Date:
- Wednesday, April 8, 2026
- Time:
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Online:
- This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.
- Audience:
- Alumni Community External Researchers Faculty Graduate Students Staff Undergraduate Students
- Categories:
- Data & Statistics Digital Tools Maps & GIS Programming & Software Workshop
Cole is the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Analyst at U of T's Map and Data Library, and a graduate of the Centre of Geographic Sciences in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia. They offer expertise in advanced spatial analysis, Esri and open-source software, coding, cartographic design, and web mapping.
A few interesting projects Cole has worked on include:
• Performing spatial analysis to support sustainable economic empowerment for global communities
• Developing interactive, educational web maps to promote ecologically sound home gardening practices
• Designing creative, experimental map graphics to be used in collaborative published art projects
• Using deep learning to analyze historical maps
At U of T, Cole facilitates workshops, develops instructional materials, and provides technical consultations for anyone interested in GIS. Cole loves helping others learn and is dedicated to connecting learners of all varieties with skills and resources to make the best use of geospatial technology in their work. Feel free to get in contact at cole.white@utoronto.ca
