QGIS and Python for AEC

2h 19mIntermediate2020-07-30

Authors

Gordon Luckett

President of Arrow Geomatics, Inc.

Course details

QGIS is an open-source tool for quickly visualizing and analyzing geospatial data for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). One way to make QGIS even more versatile and efficient is to add the power of Python. In this course, CAD and GIS consultant Gordon Luckett shows how to use Python scripting to automate and augment the QGIS toolset. It starts with an overview of Python programming basics, including creating and saving basic scripts. Then Gordon shows how to automate common QGIS tasks, such as opening, closing, and saving projects; adding new layers and layer definitions; and creating and managing geometry. Gordon also shows how to automate the import of AutoCAD data such as DWG and DXF files into QGIS projects, and closes the course with a hands-on demo of the QGIS plugin creation process, leveraging the Plugin Builder, QT Designer interface builder, and Python code.

Topics include:
Creating your first Python script
Saving scripts
Managing QGIS projects and layers programmatically
Exporting geometry
Drawing new geometry
Importing DWG and DXF files
Creating plugins

Skills covered

QGISGISArchitectural DesignAECProgramming LanguagesData ScienceOpen SourceSoftware DevelopmentOne-Off

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - AEC with Python and QGIS

1. Beginning Python

02 - What is Python
03 - Using the Python console
04 - Creating your first Python script
05 - Saving your Python scripts

2. Managing Layers and Projects with Python

06 - Working with projects
07 - Working with layers
08 - Setting the CRS
09 - Adding and creating layer definitions

3. Geometry Handling

10 - Getting WKT from data
11 - Exporting geometry
12 - Filtering geometry
13 - Drawing new geometry

4. Importing DWG and DXF

14 - Manually importing DWG
15 - Using Python to import DXF
16 - Converting lines to polygons with Python

5. Creating Plugins

17 - Installing Plugin Builder
18 - Using the Plugin Builder
19 - Create a batch file to load Python bindings
20 - Install plugin
21 - Using Qt Designer
22 - Adding Python to Plugin

Conclusion

23 - Next steps