We are working on an updated version of this course with the new GDAL API and will be offered in 2027.
GDAL is an open-source library for raster and vector geospatial data formats. The library comes with a vast collection of utility programs that can perform many geoprocessing tasks and build scalable spatial ETL pipelines without the need for expensive software. This class introduces GDAL and OGR utilities with example workflows for processing satellite and aerial imagery.
Level
Intermediate
Duration
12 hours4 sessions of 3 hours each over 2 weeks
Prerequisites
Familiarity with raster and vector data processing
Ways to take this course
This course is no longer taught as a live class. The
material stays free to study on your own.
This course is not being taught as a live class any more, so there is no
certification, support or mentoring with it.
Learning outcomes
Write commands to process large volumes of data
Effectively work with drone/aerial imagery
Automate satellite data processing
Build Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) pipelines
Course outline
Session 1
Basic Raster Processing
Introduction and Course Overview
Raster Compression and COGs
Merging Tiles
Converting Formats
Compressing Output
Setting NoData Values
Writing Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFF
Processing Elevation Data
Session 2
Processing Aerial and Satellite Imagery
Creating Previews
Create a Tile Index
Mosaic and clip to AOI
Creating Overviews
Creating RGB and False Color Composites
Histogram Stretch and Color Correction
Raster Algebra and Pan Sharpening
Assignment
Create a Georeferenced DSM Mosaic
Session 3
Working with WMS Layers and Georeferencing
Listing WMS Layers
Create Service Description File
Downloading WMS Layers
Georeference with Bounding Box Coordinates
Georeference using GCPs
Read a CSV data source
convert it to point data
Assign CRS
Extract subset
Session 4
ETL Basics, Geoprocessing, and Spatial Queries
Merging Vector Files Reproject vector layers
Creating Buffers
Perform Spatial Queries
Data Cleaning
Running commands in batch
Automating OGR/GDAL Jobs
Certification
Upon successful completion of all the live online sessions and the class assignments, participants will be issued an employer-verifiable certificate from Spatial Thoughts. Learn more.
What participants say
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Although I am working with GDAL already, this course is helping me reach the next level in my GDAL skills as I have learnt many other things in GDAL during this course. Ujaval is such an excellent teacher and the many examples he gives during the course makes the class interactions very lively and interesting.
Ellen Brock Freelance data scientist IndiaMastering GDAL ToolsRead moreShow less
This GDAL course offers a good knowledge foundation, and enables you to start working with this geospatial library. The course is based on multiple practical exercises and you recive support from the instructors. The tools and methods taught are really useful in different scenarios such as data cleaning, pipeline design, etc. The documentation and class recordings are useful reference materials.
Hector Martinez Analyst, Scottish and Southern Energy United KingdomMastering GDAL ToolsRead moreShow less
GDAL underpins almost all GIS software. This training (and other free learning resources) consists of many hands-on use cases. The exercises encourage you to find and read user documentation for answers. This is my second course with Spatialthoughts.com, and my goto resource for help. I can’t say enough, the quality and attention to detail speak for themselves. Many thanks.
Greg Cermak Natural Capital Accounting Intern, USGS United StatesMastering GDAL ToolsRead moreShow less
“Mastering GDAL Tools” is a magic wand to address huge datasets. Ujaval’s approach to the design of class materials is very insightful. The depth of his expertise and kind way of addressing the questions are remarkable. I am very fortunate to learn under his guidance, the link to various materials enables me to learn and discover more. Highly recommended to all seekers of geospatial domains.
This GDAL/OGR course is phenomenal! Not only did it delve into raster and vector analysis, Spatial ETL pipelines, and Batch Spatial Data Processing, but each section also offered supplementary tools tailored to various geospatial data sources like aerial, satellite, WMS layers, georeferencing, and KML files. As a geospatial programmer, this course has truly expanded my toolkit, empowering me to tackle diverse geospatial tasks with ease. I highly recommend it!
Abdillahi Osman Omar ITC, University of Twente NetherlandsMastering GDAL ToolsRead moreShow less
Great course! There is a lot to learn in the topic and the course provides the necessary knowledge to start working with it. Working with GDAL and command prompt seemed daunting but now I feel I can actually use it. I find it is hard to understand all at once but the video recordings are also great to come back and review.
Marco Hernandez Design Engineer, Helios Nordic Energy AB SwedenMastering GDAL Tools