QGIS (formerly Quantum GIS) is an open source geographic information system (GIS). This software is a free alternative to proprietary GIS software such as ESRI’s ArcGIS products which can be very expensive. QGIS incorporates similar functions and features as its proprietary counterparts and allows users to display, manipulate and create spatial data. It supports a variety of spatial data file extensions (.shp, .tif, .csv, .img, etc.) and is compatible on Linux, Unix, Mac, and Windows operating systems.

This task sheet will introduce you to QGIS software and using it to create a basic map.