Module 2 assignment: Representing data

Hi Deleece,

I also had some troubles uploading the shp files. If you can’t upload it as a raster layer, then try as vector layer instead. Also drag and drop the file onto the QGIS interface sometimes does the trick as well. Hope this helps.

I have taken a QGIS tutorial before; so, I am fairly familiar with vector and raster layers. So far, so good. No problem encountered yet. The best part of this learning exercise is I have learned where to download and get data for myself. In the previous course, most of the required file are provided by the instructor. Now, I can find these maps on my own. For instance, instead of Vietnam, I tried Laos instead for the land cover.

I think the data is in the .qml style file you need to download into the same folder as the VNM_cov .vrt file,

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Thats a really good learning point :-). GIS centres on the data, and there is such a lot out there already that knowing where to look for geospatial datasets is a really important aspect of using GIS.

@JonathanGatward please Sir!
I’m really having a high time with this module 2 Assignment
What is wrong with this my little understanding of GIS

The main issue looks like you have the “raster” layers (Virtual layer, land cover layers etc) above the other data sets therefore they are covering all the layers in the list futher down. you can re-order the layers by left clicking the mouse and keeping mouse button pressed down while you “drag and drop” the layers in to the order you want them.
The Virtual Layer you have added (the pink one) is a bit confusing as it is unclear which data layer was the original source for this (you can right click on the layer and go to “Properties” and “Information” to find the actual file name and path that this layer is referring to.

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Module 2 was quite informative and very much useful. It gets me thinking about the representation of the data that I have.

This module allowed me to explore how best to represent data depending on my goals and values for the project. There may be some instances in which a simplified, low resolution map is alright for what you need. In other cases, more detailed information may be necessary. I chose to display the more detailed outline of the preserve and higher resolution land cover data. I think this allows you to better see the land cover in relation to the preserve boundaries and how that is related to sightings. It was also very helpful to see how to change the fills/outlines to better represent your data


I found this module really helpful. I did not know the difference between vector and raster layers previously as I only had a basic/beginners understanding of GIS. I appreciated the sorting exercises, which gave a much better understanding. I had some issues with knowing what file type was required but had a play around and believe I have sussed it out. Very happy to gain some feedback.

Great map! I like how your overlaid the two different boundaries to be able to compare since the quality of each is so different.

Thanks for the info. I shall try doing that. I do read your inputs its informative and helps me to explore more.

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Hey! Well done for getting started on this task to the best you could. The basic concepts to take away from this module is the difference between raster and vector layers.

Raster: A uniform grid of cells best used for modelling properties which vary continuously.
Vector: Best for modelling objects that have discrete boundaries (point, line and polygon)

When it comes to your map I believe you have just not downloaded and imported all the different data files. Take yourself a few steps back to the ‘resolution and extent’ section and work back through importing the files into QGIS.

Best wishes and good luck!

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This section was a bit more challenging. But I think I have a good idea of what’s happening. I am playing around with the layers to see how much they impact the results. Vector vs. Raster data can get a bit complex to understand without the aid of notes but I think this is something you get familiar with when you start working with diverse data sets. But this is the furthest I have gotten with any GIS work so I am happy with my progress.


This week was really great coverage on different ways to represent data & the distinctions between them were nice and clear (I have to revisit how to classify data often because it always gets a little jumbled & confusing in my head!). I also like that we were given language to talk about scale & it was super clear! One of the most confusing things for me about working with GIS is the different ways people talk about scale & resolution, and then how that often doesn’t match up with other fields like ecology…it can get really confusing!

My biggest issue I’m running into right now is that sometimes when I zoom in/out on my project, layers disappear & QGIS tells me there is ‘insufficient memory’. Sometimes the layers come back if I adjust the zoom/layer somehow, but often I have to save, quit, & reopen. Not sure why this is an issue because my laptop should have more than enough memory…

it looks great! yeah, sometimes it can get confusing with polygon data (shapefiles) to decide whether it’s vector or raster. I just always make myself go back to the question of if its ‘discrete or continuous’ and that usually clears it up pretty quick!

Your map looks great! I struggled a bit with this on my mac but it seems like you’ve figured it out really well! I am using yours as a template to play around with so that my map turns out better :slight_smile:


Here’s mine for this week. It was nice to have a thorough explanation of vector vs raster layers, and the different types of data within them. I also spent a little more time experimenting with colors, transparency, and the order of the layers. I think I’ve made some progress! For some reason, though, I’m not able to change the color of the lines in the Nomascus Distribution layer–I changed it in the Symbology section of layer properties, but it stays yellow when I click “Apply.” On the same page though I have no problems changing stroke width or style, just color. A bit strange! The instructions here were a bit less clear than the previous module but it ultimately worked out fine. I hope that we will eventually learn how to how to get our own raw data into QGIS, for instance, how to work with a file of coordinate points to be able to use it as a vector layer.

It looks good to me (although I’m also new to this)! It looks like you were able to add all the necessary files, and you ordered your layers in a logical way.
This might be a personal preference thing, but I found it helpful to turn off several layers by unchecking the box in the left-hand panel. I felt it made the map easier to interpret by removing extraneous information. Of course this would probably depend on your objectives in making the map!
Nice job!

Hi dear, I think you have missed the gibbon sightings in your layer.

I wanna get your feedback. What do I miss here?