Free QGIS Training Course by UN Maps | Online Learning Opportunity
Free QGIS Training Course by UN Maps Learning Hub: Learn GIS, Mapping and Geospatial Analysis Online


The UN Maps Learning Hub is providing an opportunity for students, researchers, GIS professionals and other interested learners to develop practical geospatial skills through its online learning platform.
The QGIS training course is designed to help participants develop knowledge of geographic information systems, geospatial data, map creation and spatial analysis.
The training is delivered online and is available as a self-paced learning opportunity, making it accessible to learners who want to build GIS skills alongside their studies, work or other commitments.
The UN Maps Learning Hub provides training in open geospatial information to support United Nations development and peacekeeping efforts. Its learning platform allows anyone interested in open geospatial information to access selected training resources and develop practical mapping and GIS capabilities.
About the UN Maps Learning Hub
The UN Maps Learning Hub is a self-training platform developed to help learners discover and use open geospatial information in support of United Nations activities.
The platform includes courses covering different aspects of geospatial technology, including OpenStreetMap editing, QGIS analysis, map making and the use of the UN Maps application.
The training can be particularly useful for people interested in applying geospatial technologies to development, humanitarian work, environmental management, disaster response, urban planning and other fields where location-based information plays an important role.
The platform is designed to accommodate learners with different levels of experience, with courses covering both basic and more advanced features.
Free Online QGIS Training
QGIS is a widely used geographic information system that enables users to work with spatial data, conduct geographic analysis and produce maps.
Through the UN Maps Learning Hub, learners can develop their understanding of QGIS and its applications without needing to attend a physical classroom.
The training is:
- Free
- Online
- Self-paced
- Accessible to learners from different backgrounds
- Focused on open geospatial information and practical applications
This makes the opportunity particularly suitable for students and professionals who want to acquire GIS skills without paying tuition fees or committing to a fixed classroom schedule.
What Will Participants Learn?
The QGIS-related training available through the UN Maps Learning Hub introduces learners to important concepts and tools used in geographic information systems.
Depending on the course and learning materials, participants can develop skills in areas such as:
GIS Fundamentals
Learners can build an understanding of geographic information systems, spatial data and the basic principles behind digital mapping.
Understanding GIS fundamentals provides a foundation for working with geographical datasets and using location-based information to investigate real-world problems.
QGIS and Geospatial Data
Participants are introduced to QGIS and learn how geospatial information can be handled and analysed using an open-source GIS environment.
QGIS is particularly useful because it allows users to work with different forms of spatial information and perform a wide variety of mapping and analytical tasks.
Map Creation
The training introduces learners to map-making techniques that can help them transform geospatial datasets into useful visual representations.
Developing map-making skills can be valuable for researchers, environmental practitioners, planners, development professionals and others who need to communicate spatial information clearly.
Spatial Analysis and Visualisation
Participants can also develop knowledge of spatial analysis and visualisation, allowing them to examine relationships and patterns within geographic data.
These capabilities can be applied to research, environmental assessments, humanitarian operations, development planning and many other areas.
OpenStreetMap and UN Maps
The wider UN Maps Learning Hub also provides learning resources related to OpenStreetMap editing and the UN Maps application.
This gives learners the opportunity to understand how open geospatial information can support humanitarian, development and peacekeeping activities.
Who Can Benefit From the Training?
The course is potentially relevant to anyone interested in developing geospatial knowledge.
Potential learners include:
- University students
- Researchers
- GIS professionals
- Environmental scientists
- Geographers
- Urban planners
- Development practitioners
- Disaster risk professionals
- Humanitarian workers
- Mapping enthusiasts
- Professionals seeking new digital skills
The skills can also be useful for individuals working on projects involving climate change, environmental conservation, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, infrastructure, public health, urban development and humanitarian response
Multilingual Learning Platform
A major feature of the UN Maps Learning Hub is its multilingual approach.
The platform supports the six official languages of the United Nations, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Russian, alongside additional languages made available through community-led translation.
This multilingual approach can make open geospatial learning more accessible to people from different linguistic backgrounds.
Learners can also track their progress through quizzes and tests covering individual sections or complete courses.
However, the platform notes that some courses are reserved for UN personnel, so learners should check the access requirements for individual courses before enrolling.
Community Support
Learning GIS independently can sometimes present challenges, particularly for beginners.
The UN Mappers community provides an additional support network for people using the platform. Learners with questions can reach out through the available email or social media channels to connect with experienced contributors.
This community-based approach can help newcomers learn from others while developing their understanding of open geospatial technologies.
Why Learn QGIS?
QGIS is an important tool for people working with geographic data because it combines mapping, data management, visualisation and spatial analysis capabilities.
For students and professionals in Africa and other parts of the Global South, GIS skills can be particularly valuable in areas such as sustainable development, environmental management, urban planning, climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Learning an open-source platform such as QGIS can also provide a practical digital skill that learners can continue developing independently after completing introductory training.
How to Access the Course
Interested learners can visit the UN Maps Learning Hub and explore the available courses. Registration and access requirements may vary depending on the specific course.
The platform allows learners to enrol in available courses, study online and track their progress through the learning system.
Because the training is self-paced, participants can organise their learning around their existing schedules.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Final Note
The UN Maps Learning Hub QGIS training opportunity provides a useful entry point for anyone seeking to develop practical skills in GIS, mapping and open geospatial information.
With free online learning resources, self-paced study, multilingual support and a connection to the United Nations geospatial community, the platform can be particularly valuable for students, researchers and professionals interested in applying mapping technologies to development, environmental and humanitarian challenges.
Learners should visit the official platform to review the currently available courses and determine which QGIS and geospatial learning opportunities are open to them.








