What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to provide a foundational understanding of GIS and its application in natural history research.

January 25, 2026Open Access

Intro to GIS for Natural History Visualisations

Key Points

The aim is to provide a foundational understanding of GIS and its application in natural history research.
Conduct hands-on sessions using QGIS software.
Teach basic GIS data types and mapping techniques.
Focus on visualizing specimen and observation locations.
Guide participants in creating print layouts for vector maps.
Participants gain hands-on experience with GIS tools.
Attendees can confidently visualize and present biodiversity data.
Newcomers learn to navigate GIS interfaces effectively.

Abstract

This presentation was given during the WiNoDa winter school, a five-day intensive course on the topic of Research with Natural Science Collections. Data, Quality, and Methods from 24-28 November 2025. Organization: German Federation for Biological Data e.V. (GFBio) with support from the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN), German Archaeological Institute (DAI), Vernetzungs- und Kompetenzstelle Open Access Brandenburg (VuK). Abstract: This hands-on introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will explore how spatial data can be used to visualise and understand natural history information. This is a complete introduction, ideal for those new to GIS. Using QGIS, participants will learn about basic GIS data types, map point data such as specimen or observation locations, and create a simple print layout for a vector map. By the end of the session, attendees will have the confidence to start using GIS tools to explore and present their own natural history or biodiversity data.

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Museum für Naturkunde

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