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QGIS | Importing and/or loading data  

> Objective


  • This section show how to import and load different types of data from various sources.  


> Index / Table of Contents


  • Introduction  

  • Tutorial(s)  

    • Finding data  

    • Import data  

      • CSV data  

      • XLS data 

      • XML data 

      • GeoJSON data  

      • GeoPackage data 

    • Load data  

      • XLS data  

      • Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data  

      • USGS Earth Explorer data 

      • OGC Web Map Services data 

      • CORINE Land Cover data 

      • Strava data  

      • 3D BAG data  

      • Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (AHN) data  

      • Basisregistratie Grootschalige Topografie (BGT) 

      • Landelijke Informatiesysteem van Arbeidsplaatsen (LISA) data  

      • OpenStreetMap data  

      • WaPOR data 

      • GeoWeb data 

      • Nationaal wegenbestand (NWB)  

      • Nationaal Georegister  

    • QGIS installation  


> Summary and Highlights


Introduction 

The following tutorials show how to import and load geographical data in different formats and from different sources.  


Tutorial(s) 

Finding data  

The following tutorial covers where and how to find data.  


Import data  

Importing data into QGIS is done differently depending on the file format.  


CSV data  

A comma-separated values (CSV) file is a delimited text file that separates values with a comma.  

  • Import CSV data using QGIS and fix corrupt data  TOI-pedia: “Importing .CSV data using QGIS”  Language(s): English  Chapters: introduction, importing CSV data into QGIS, corrupted CSV files – quick fixes, useful dataset websites   http://wiki.bk.tudelft.nl/toi-pedia/Importing_.CSV_data_using_QGIS  

  • Add vector and raster layers  TOI-pedia: “Adding layers”  Language(s): English  Chapters: introduction, background, adding layers: drag and drop method, adding vector layers, adding raster layers, layer ordering, useful links add layers  http://wiki.bk.tudelft.nl/toi-pedia/Adding_layers  

  • Use the data source manager to import CSV files   Ujaval Gandhi: “Importing Spreadsheets or CSV files (QGIS3)”/ “Werkbladen of CSV-bestanden importen (QGIS3)”  Language(s): English, Dutch  Chapters: overview of the task, get the data, procedure   EN: https://www.qgistutorials.com/en/docs/3/importing_spreadsheets_csv.html  NL: https://www.qgistutorials.com/nl/docs/3/importing_spreadsheets_csv.html 

  • Import spreadsheets, join attribute tables, edit attribute tables and interpolate points to raster  Hans van der Kwast: “QGISHydro Webinar 2: Import tables and spatial interpolation”  Language(s): English  Time: 1h 5m 28s  Chapters: start of QGISHydro Webinar 2 (start-6:51), introduction to demo import tables (6:51-9:55), start demo importing tables (9:55-10:56), using the Spreadsheet Layers plugin (10:56-15:49), export to GIS vector format (15:49-18:18), join attribute tables (18:18-21:00), remove missing data (21:00-21:50), convert temperature units (21:50-24:42), import CSV file (24:42-29:07), style temperature points (29:07-36:21), interpolation (Thiessen polygons) (36:21-39:35), interpolation (IDW) (39:35-43:12), interpretation of inteprolation results (43:12-45:46), result in 3D view (45:46-51:45), Q & A (51:45-59:19), shameless plugs (59:19-end)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84cq3CmBwck


XLS data  

An XLS file is a spreadsheet file from Excel.  


XML data  

An Extensible Markup Language (XML) file stores data in XML code.  


GeoJSON data  

A GeoJSON file is able to store geospatial and attribute data.  


GeoPackage (GPKG) data 

A GeoPackage file is a SQLite database container that contains geospatial information in a compact manner.  

  • Open files with drag and drop method  Mariëlle Geers-Plasmans (Geojuffie): “I01 Drag and drop”  Language(s): Dutch  Time: 4m 6s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyP5hc5uUG0  

  • Load files through browser  Mariëlle Geers-Plasmans (Geojuffie): “I02 Laden via browser”  Language(s): Dutch  Time: 3m 18s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxLaXWPMVb4  

  • Get started with an example map  QGIS Training manual: “2.2. Adding your first layer”  Language(s): Dutch  Chapters: follow along: prepare a map, try yourself, follow along: loading vector data from a GeoPackage Database, follow along: loading vector data from a SpatiaLite Database with the Browser, try yourself load more vector data, follow along: reordering the layers, in conclusion, what’s next   https://docs.qgis.org/3.10/en/docs/training_manual/basic_map/preparation.html

  • Add vector and raster layers  TOI-pedia: “Adding layers”  Language(s): English  Chapters: introduction, background, adding layers: drag and drop method, adding vector layers, adding raster layers, layer ordering, useful links add layers  http://wiki.bk.tudelft.nl/toi-pedia/Adding_layers  


Load data  

Loading data into QGIS can be done in various ways, depending on a file format and data source. 


XLS data 

An XLS file is a spreadsheet file from Excel.  

  • Load spreadsheets into QGIS, join their attribute tables and interpolate points to a raster  Hans van der Kwast: “Load spreadsheets in QGIS 3, join and interpolate”  Language(s): English  Time: 14m 44s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxLufyvJ9jA  


Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data  

  • Stream and catchment delineation using only Open Data (SRTM)  Hans van der Kwast: “Stream and catchment delineation in QGIS 3”  Language(s): English  Time: 33m 39s  Chapters: introduction (start-0:37), setting up OSM (0:37-1:44), river war (1:44-2:35), catchment area (2:32-3:55), download (3:55-5:13), virtual mosaic (5:13-7:03), reproject (7:03-9:08), subset (9:08-10:33), fill (10:33-12:03), hillshade (13:30-15:43), strata order (15:43-16:26), visualisation (16:26-17:13), threshold (17:13-20:33), stream delineation (20:33-22:29), style flow direction (22:29-24:43), coordinate capture (24:43-26:48), polygons (26:48-27:46), attribute table (27:46-end)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro-RRzMMw-c  


USGS Earth Explorer data 

The USGS Earth Explorer allows to download aerial and satellite imagery from Landsat.  

  • Define a search extent in USGS Earth Explorer  Hans van der Kwast: “How to select a search extent in USGS Earth Explorer”  Language(s): English  Time: 3m 30s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmKUJ7G_CoE  

  • Download a Sentinel 2 image from USGS Earth Explorer, use QGIS to stack the bands in a virtual raster, use the Raster calculator to calculate NDVI and reclassify the results   Hans van der Kwast: “Calculate NDVI from Sentinel 2 and reclassify in QGIS”  Language(s): English   Time: 10min 6s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaC5sQpExjg  


CORINE Land Cover data 

CORINE stands for coordination of information on the environment and stores the land cover of Europe into 44 different land cover classes.  

  • Download the CORINE land cover data as a GeoPackage and style it using a QLD file   Hans van der Kwast: “Download and Style CORINE Land Cover Data in QGIS”  Language(s): English  Time: 2m 19s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w608aRpBiD8  

  • Clip the CORINE land cover vector data and reproject it to the projection of a project  Hans van der Kwast: “Clip and Reproject CORINE Land Cover Data in QGIS”  Language(s): English  Time: 1m 53s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNwemMXfq2E  

  • Aggregate the CORINE Level 3 classes to Level 1 class using string functions in the field calculator of QGIS  Hans van der Kwast: “Aggregate CORINE Level 3 to 1 Classes in QGIS”  Language(s): English  Time: 3m 20s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2LnbC8YmpM  


Strava data  

Strava tracks physical exercises such as running and cycling.  

  • Save a hiking route from Strava and import that into QGIS  Hans van der Kwast: “Import Routes from Strava to QGIS and create an Outdoor Map with the MapTiler Plugin”  Time: 8m 6s  Language(s): English  Chapters: intro (start-0:25), export a route from Strava (0:25-0:45), go to the Strava website (0:45-2:30), create an outdoor map (2:30-3:30), layer styling (3:30-4:10), export to UTM (4:10-5:30), add a color ramp (5:30-6:30), final touches (6:30-end)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN49IauRCqI  


3D BAG data  

The 3D BAG data contains 3D building models of the Netherlands.  

  • Load data from the 3D BAG download both from GPKG and CityJSON  Erik Meerburg (3D geoinformation research group): “Using 3D BAG in QGIS 1: an introduction”  Language(s): English  Time: 8m 40s  Chapters: introduction (start-0:38), viewer (0:38-1:37), GeoPackage (1:37-5:49), visualisation (5:49-end)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvVZm6qgLD0  

  • How to use data from data services   Erik Meerburg (3D geoinformation research group): “Urbanism GIS Course 4: Adding data from services”  Language(s): English  Time: 8m 56s  Chapters: intro (start-0:15), OpenTopo Background map (0:15-1:04), WebMap Services (1:04-2:17), adding your own service (2:17-4:15), documentation (6:08-6:34), finding data (6:34-end)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2v5i1ZUtPU  

  • Building data: debug data, visualize, graduated vizualization, export to Rhino  Erik Meerburg (3D geoinformation research group): “Urbanism GIS Course 10: Using the BAG”  Language(s): English  Time: 10m 24s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lKQZ-h3OhM  

  • Download BAG buildings in QGIS   Erik Meerburg (Geogoeroe): “BAG panden naar QGIS downloaden”  Language(s): Dutch   Time: 5min 55s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqWXCHH-fvc  

  • Load BAG data using the WFS service   Erik Meerburg (Geogoeroe): “3D BAG panden in QGIS”  Language(s): Dutch  Time: 3min 8s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl5UfeHeLOM  


Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (AHN) data  

AHN contains the elevation data of the Netherlands.  

  • Use AHN data, Arcgis data and 3D data  Erik Meerburg (3D geoinformation research group): “Urbanism GIS Course 11: Using AHN”  Language(s): English  Time: 10m 59s  Chapters: introduction (start-1:12), using AHN data (1:12-4:47), using ArcGIS data (4:47-7:18), using 3D data (7:18-end)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqF3PRRrnAU  

  • Add highest and average building heights, using AHN3, and visualise the data in QGIS   Erik Meerburg (Geogoeroe): “AHN3 downloaden en huizen op hoogte brengen”  Language(s): Dutch  Time: 9min 43s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMuort5pflg


Basisregistratie Grootschalige Topografie (BGT)  

BGT is a map on which buildings, roads, water and vegetation are placed.  


Landelijk Informatiesysteem van Arbeidsplaatsen (LISA) data  

LISA maps all the establishments with gainful employments of the Netherlands.  

  • Import and use LISA data  Erik Meerburg (3D geoinformation research group): “Urbanism GIS Course 13: Using LISA data”  Language(s): English  Time: 11m 1s  Chapters: introduction (start-1:40), LISA data (1:40-5:20), Delft (5:20-end) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyvZ5dz1mJA  


OpenStreetMap data  

OpenStreetMap contains geographical information on a global scale.  

  • Add open data from WMS and OpenStreetMap to a catchment  Hans van der Kwast: “Adding Open Data to your QGIS 3 project”  Language(s): English  Time: 13m 17s  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXgHghWyKRc  

  • Import OpenStreetMap data  TOI-pedia: “Importing OpenStreetMap data”  Language(s): English   Chapters: introduction, raster base map, vector data, useful links  http://wiki.bk.tudelft.nl/toi-pedia/Importing_OpenStreetMap_data 

  • Extract data from OpenStreetMap and save it as a vector layer   Ujaval Gandhi: “Searching and Downloading OpenStreetMap Data (QGIS3)”/”Zoeken en downloaden van gegevens van OpenStreetMap (QGIS3)”  Language(s): English   Chapters: overview of the task, procedure   EN: https://www.qgistutorials.com/en/docs/3/downloading_osm_data.html NL: https://www.qgistutorials.com/nl/docs/3/downloading_osm_data.html  

  • Import vector data from OpenStreeMap using the QuickOSM plugin  Hans van der Kwast: “Importing OpenStreetMap data to QGIS with QuickOSM”  Language(s): English   Time: 9min 41s   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMzJNScR76U  

  • Add cities and towns from OpenStreetMap using the Quick OSM plugin   Hans van der Kwast: “Adding cities and towns from OpenStreetMap to QGIS”  Language(s): English   Time: 7min 43s   Chapters: Introduction (start-0:33), Installing QuickOSM (0:33-1:52), Temporary layer (1:52-2:24), Geo package (2:24-2:54), Remove temporary layers (2:54-end)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0EeXbVayE  

  • Add vector data from OpenStreetMap using keys and values in the QuickOSM plugin   Hans van der Kwast: “Add Vector Data from OpenStreetMap to QGIS with the QuickOSM Plugin”  Language(s): English   Time: 10min 41s   Chapters: Intro (start-0:20), QuickOSM Plugin (0:20-0:40), Openstreetmap (0:40-2:20), Queries (2:20-3:00), Labels (3:00-4:10), Make permanent (4:10-4:50), Export (4:50-6:20), Styling (6:20-6:40), Dam (6:40-8:15), Legs (8:15-end)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOxd1zJ_rqI  

  • Download, style and label cities and towns from OpenStreetMap  Hans van der Kwast: “Download, Style and Label Cities and Towns from OpenStreetMap”  Language(s): English  Time: 4min 30s    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6YkJZwGMPc   


WaPOR data  

WaPOR stands for Water Productivity through Open access of Remotely sensed derived data and contains data of agricultural water productivity over Afrika and Near East.  

  • Use WaPOR data using OGC services (WMS, WCS)   Hans van der Kwast: “How to use FAO WaPOR open data via web services in QGIS?”  Language(s): English   Time: 14min 45s   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yny2vzNNoic  


GeoWeb data 

Rijkswaterstaat provides geographic datasets such as archaeological terrain, bathymetry, river management or monuments.  


Nationaal wegenbestand (NWB) 

The NWB contains road data of the Netherlands.  

  • Filter national roads from the WFS service of NWB (Nationaal wegen bestand)  Erik Meerburg (Geogoeroe): “Alleen rijkswegen uit het NWB”  Language(s): Dutch  Time: 2min 16s   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26BmqVo2Xus  


Nationaal Georegister  

The nationaal georegister contains a lot of geographic data of the Netherlands.  

  • Import CSV with coordinates from the Nationaal Georegister   Erik Meerburg (Geogoeroe): “Data vinden en als csv in QGIS laden”  Language(s): Dutch  Time: 6min 28s   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26BmqVo2Xus  


> QGIS Installation


Do you still need to install QGIS? The QGIS installation and update section explains how to install QGIS on Windows and macOS. 


Useful Links 


QGIS Training Manual    

QGIS User Guide   

Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) website   

USGS Earth Explorer website 

Corine land cover data download 

3D BAG viewer 

Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (AHN) website    

Landelijk Informatiesysteem van Arbeidsplaatsen (LISA) website  

OpenStreetMap website 

WaPOR data  

GeoWeb data 

Nationaal wegenbestand (NWB) website  

Nationaal Georegister website   

GIS OpenCourseWare 

TOI-pedia 

Ujaval Gandhi (QGIS Tutorials and Tips website)   

Hans van der Kwast YouTube channel  

Mariëlle Geers-Plasmans (Geojuffie) YouTube channel 

Erik Meerburg (3D geoinformation research group) YouTube channel  

Erik Meerburg (Geogoeroe) YouTube channel


#QGIS, #Import, #Load, #CSV, #XLS, #XML, #GeoJSON, #GeoPackage, # SRTM, #USGS Earth Explorer, #OGC Web Map Services, #CORINE Land Cover, #Strava, #3D BAG, #AHN, #BGT, #LISA, #OpenStreetMap, #WaPOR data, #GeoWeb data, #Nationaal wegenbestand (NWB), #Nationaal Georegister 

Hans van der Kwast. (2018, September 18). Adding Open Data to your QGIS 3 project [Video]. YouTube.

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