A table of numbers is not always the best way to present census data, often we want to visualise the information as a map to help people see patterns quickly.
This free online workshop will focus on the use of the free and open-source cross-platform QGIS GIS application to create maps and other geographical visualisations from 2021/22 census data provided by the UK Data Service.
The session will include:
An introduction to UK census data, the UK Data Service, and the different types of UK census data provided by the service.
An exploration of the help resources available within the UK Data Service to assist you with using census data.
Demonstrations of how to download census data from the UK Data Service.
An introduction to maps and other forms of geographical data visualisation and a consideration of the common issues that need to be considered when applying geographical data visualisation to UK census data.
An introduction to preparing data for mapping, an introduction to the QGIS GIS application, and demonstrations of using QGIS to create geographical visualisations from UK census data.
The workshop will consist of short presentations followed by practical demonstrations of using resources provided by the UK Data Service and manipulating and mapping census data. There will also be time available for attendees to ask questions.
Participants will be provided with materials covering the steps involved in the practical demonstrations should they wish to go through the steps themselves after the session.
Presenters:
James Crone, UK Data Service. James Crone is a Data Engineer at EDINA, based at the University of Edinburgh, where he contributes to the delivery of census and other geospatial data through online services and supports the users of these services. James has been using geospatial data for over 20 years and is an enthusiastic user of open source geospatial software.
Nadia Kennar, UK Data Service. Nadia is a Research Associate at the UK Data Service within the Computational Social Science Team (CSS). She has a MRes in Criminology and Social Statistics. Nadia enjoys developing engaging webinars and workshops that incorporate live coding, and has a particular interest in demonstrating and discussing coding techniques. She is motivated by seeing participants apply these concepts to advance their own research and professional work.
Level: Introductory, although some familiarity with manipulating numerical / statistical data is assumed.
Experience/knowledge required: None, although to be able to carry out for themselves the demonstrated steps, participants will need to have installed on their own computer, a spreadsheet application (either Excel or LibreOffice Calc) and the QGIS desktop GIS application.
Target audience: Anyone wanting to get started with creating maps and other geographical visualisations from UK census data using the QGIS desktop GIS application.
This event will be livestreamed on our UK Data Service YouTube channel but the chat will be disabled. By registering and attending the Zoom event you will be able to ask questions and interact.
Recordings of UK Data Service events are made available on our YouTube channel and, together with the slides, on our past events pages soon after the event has taken place.
