# QGIS

## URL

<https://www.qgis.org>

## Description

QGIS (Quantum GIS) is a free open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software that supports a wide range of functions for managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data across various platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, and BSD. It is designed to cater to both professionals in the GIS field and enthusiasts who require a robust system for spatial analysis. QGIS supports different data formats and offers tools for vector and raster analysis, map composition, and data editing. The software's flexibility and extendibility through plugins enhance its functionality, enabling users to tackle complex geospatial data analysis and map creation tasks. QGIS is community-driven, relying on contributions from users worldwide to improve and develop new features.

With QGIS you can access various spatial datasets and perform analysis and visualisation. Here the [Natural Earth](https://www.naturalearthdata.com/) dataset displays state boundaries over Open Street Maps with vector lines highlighting roads:

<figure><img src="/files/bW2UWdMgfvIHnDgnMygY" alt="Screenshot of QGIS example with Natural Earth dataset."><figcaption><p>Screenshot of QGIS with Natural Earth dataset</p></figcaption></figure>

QGIS can be used by open source researchers for various tasks and projects, for instance to assess environmental and humanitarian issues within conflict zones through spatial analysis.

Latest features available on the [Change Log](https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/visualchangelogs.html)

## Cost

* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid

## Level of difficulty

<table><thead><tr><th data-type="rating" data-max="5"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>4</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Requirements

Free for Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD and mobile devices.

## Limitations

While QGIS is a powerful tool for geographical information systems, it does have some limitations that researchers should consider:

* **Performance Issues with Large Datasets:** QGIS can become slow when handling very large datasets or complex vector operations. This could impact productivity, particularly on less powerful hardware.
* **Steep Learning Curve:** New users may find the software challenging to learn. While there is extensive documentation and community support, the initial learning phase can be time-consuming.
* **Plugin Reliability:** Not all plugins are equally maintained or documented. Users might encounter stability issues with certain plugins, which can affect project timelines.
* **Limited Advanced Analysis Features:** For highly advanced GIS analysis, some users may find QGIS lacks specific functionalities found in some paid alternatives. For instance, [ArcGIS Pro](https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-pro/overview) has the Living Atlas of the World a comprehensive collection of high-quality, authoritative maps, and data layers that include demographic, environmental, and geographic information (a comparison between QGIS and ArcGIS is available [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49QydETVNwg\))).

## Ethical Considerations

See general Maps and Satellites guidance.

## Guides and Articles

To effectively use QGIS, especially for beginners or those looking to refine their skills, the following resources are highly recommended:

**Official Wiki**

* **Official QGIS Training Manual**: <https://docs.qgis.org/3.34/en/docs/training_manual/>

**Tutorials and Articles**

* *Introduction to QGIS* (2022) *Spatial Thoughts*. Available at: <https://spatialthoughts.com/courses/introduction-to-qgis/> (Accessed: 2 March 2026).
* *NICAR 2016: QGIS 2* (no date). Available at: <http://www.mikejcorey.com/nicar_qgis_advanced/> (Accessed: 2 March 2026).
* *The Fast & The Mapped: QGIS Basics* (no date). Available at: <http://dhmontgomery.com/ire2017/> (Accessed: 2 March 2026).

**Use Cases**

* **Environmental Impact Analysis in Conflict Zones**: Using QGIS to visualize and analyze the reduction of tree cover in areas affected by war, providing insight into environmental degradation. This can be seen in the work by **Godin, P.C., Jake** (2024) on [Gaza’s Trees Disappear, Showing a Humanitarian Crisis](https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/03/15/gazas-trees-disappear-showing-a-humanitarian-crisis/), highlighting how GIS data can indicate broader humanitarian issues.
* **Spatial Analysis of Conflict Effects**: Employing count-point-in-polygon calculations with QGIS to quantify the impact of conflict on natural resources, such as the number of conflict events within a specified area affecting forest land. An example is **Giles, C.** (2023) detailing how [A New Tool Shows What War Has Done to Ukraine’s Forests](https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2023/08/18/a-new-tool-shows-what-war-has-done-to-ukraines-forests/), which utilises spatial data to draw connections between warfare and environmental harm.

**Video Tutorials**

* *Map Academy - YouTube* (no date). Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/@automaticknowledge> (Accessed: 2 March 2026).
* *Video course: Mapping for Journalists* (no date) *DataJournalism.com*. Available at: <https://datajournalism.com/watch/mapping-for-journalists> (Accessed: 2 March 2026).
* *Learn GIS - QGIS Full Course for Beginners (New for 2024)* (2024). Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SovdBaus7pM> (Accessed: 2 March 2026).
* *Introduction to QGIS* (2022) *Spatial Thoughts*. Available at: <https://spatialthoughts.com/courses/introduction-to-qgis/> (Accessed: 2 March 2026).

**Community and Support**

* <https://gis.stackexchange.com/>
* <https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/usergroups.html>

## Tool provider

[Open Source Geospatial Foundation](https://www.osgeo.org/) (OSGeo), United States.

## Advertising Trackers

* [ ] This tool has not been checked for advertising trackers yet.
* [ ] This tool uses tracking cookies. Use with caution.
* [x] This tool does not appear to use tracking cookies.

| Page maintainer           |
| ------------------------- |
| Bellingcat Volunteer Team |
|                           |


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