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.

Duration
9 Hours
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with raster and vector data processing OR Spatial Data Visualization and Analytics course
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
- Introduction to GDAL/OGR Utilities
- Raster Data Processing with GDAL Tools
- Working with Elevation Data
- Processing of Aerial Imagery
- Processing Satellite Data
- Merging individual bands into a composite
- Apply Histogram Stretch and Color Correction
- Pan Sharpening
- Raster Algebra
- Georeferencing
- Georeferencing images with corner coordinates
- Georeferencing with GCPs
- Downloading WMS Layers
- Vector Data Processing with OGR Tools
- Working with CSV Files
- Working with Virtual Files
- Geoprocessing and Spatial Queries
- Running commands in batch
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.

Cost
Self Study
Work through our study material at your own pace. No certificate or support will be provided.
Cost: Free
Instructor-led live online sessions
Get employer-verifiable certificate from Spatial Thoughts and lifetime technical support.
Cost: USD $100 / EUR €85 / INR ₹7000+ GST
Meet Our Participants

As someone who has worked in the geospatial industry as a scientist and software engineer for 15 years, I was pleasantly surprised by how much value I derived from the “Mastering GDAL” course. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone just starting out in the field, this course is an excellent resource.
I particularly appreciated the convenience and effectiveness of the format, which made it easy to fit the course into my schedule. One of the standout features of the course is how it can help spatial data engineers amplify the efficiency of their ETL pipelines. Relevant datasets, topics presented at an appropriate pace, and outstanding instructional delivery sets Spatial Thoughts apart. More than just providing an introduction to GDAL/OGR tooling, the course lays out a strong foundation and provides direction on what other capabilities exist with these tools and how to utilize them. The interludes in which Ujaval shared experiences from his work, examples of projects done by past students, lends a refreshing and practical perspective that is often missing from other courses. In short, I highly recommend the “Mastering GDAL” course as a great resource for anyone looking to upskill themselves in the geospatial field.
Atma Mani, OneConcern, United States of America.

With expert instructor, Ujaval Gandhi and hands-on exercises, the GDAL courses offered by spatial thoughts equip learners with the skills necessary to effectively manage and manipulate geospatial data.
younes abid, BAYANAT, United Arab Emirates.

Mastering GDAL Tools is one of the best courses I have received. Is incredible how powerful this command line tools are. After this course I was able to solve several problems in simple bash scripts and convert data easily. I was able to re-write several workflows like download and processing of GIS data that has taken me hundreds of lines in the python and setting several libraries, all with simple isolated bash scripts. The teaching methodology is great, with plenty of use cases and patience to explain. Highly recommended!
Norman Avila, Climaya, Guatemala.

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, India.

Another great course delivered by Ujaval and Santhosh, I already have ideas of how to use this newfound knowledge in my work. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Steven Shepperson, MarineSpace, United Kingdom.

Till today, GDAL was more like a black-box for me. Thanks to this course from Spatial Thoughts, I now have a good insight on GDAL, especially the simplified methods of doing ETL on bulk datasets. Thanks Ujaval and Santhosh for all the support!
Gurudatta Kannambadi, Aaron GSD, India

This is world’s no. 1 course on GDAL. we learn things here that you wont find naywhere. i have been struggling with gdal for 5 years now. only after this course i am feeling more confident. if you have any wordly connections to GDAL then trust me you definitely should do this course.
Kaushik Roy, AI Engineer, Canada

I have some years of using GDAL in a basic way, now with this course, I feel that I have enhanced my skills, and I am sure that it will help me to have a better data workflow. The teachers are excellent, they have a great command of the subject and their examples are very clear.
Alexander Quevedo Chacón, Consultant, Mexico

The course offers a complete vision of GDAL / OGR that allows to know a wide range of possibilities in the raster and vector analysis, customizing and automating processes for multiple data formats.
Joan Bauzà, Geographer, Spain

Great course with very practical examples, Ujaval teaches it in an approachable way and is very thorough and kind in responding to even simple questions. It was extremely useful to be in the class, follow along step by step and hear about the reasoning behind each decision.
Pushkar Kopparla, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Bern