Introduction to Spatial Data & Using R as a GIS – Oxford
The course will cover an introduction to R, how to load and manage spatial data and how to create maps using R and RStudio. We will show you appropriate ways of using classifications for choropleth maps, using loops in R to create multiple maps and some basic spatial analysis.

We will be using RStudio to work with the R environment. By the end of the course you will be able to load data into R, represent it effectively and be able to prepare an output quality map.

This course is ideal for anyone who wishes to use spatial data in their role. This includes academics, commercial users, government & other public sector researchers who have data with some spatial information (e.g. address, postcode, etc.) which they wish to show on a map. This course is also suitable for those who wish to have an overview of what spatial data can be used for. No previous experience of spatial data is required.

No experience of spatial data, GIS or scripting required. Some basic experience of using Google Earth / Maps would be beneficial.

Course Contents:


The basic theories behind spatial data, such as projections and coordinate systems
Different types of spatial data, including vector, raster and point, line and polygon
How to create a choropleth map, and why colours and classifications are important
Working with spatial data in R & Rstudio
Reprojecting data in R
Some basic spatial analysis in R


Learning Outcomes:


Use R to read in CSV data
Use R to read in spatial data
Know how to plot spatial data using R
Join spatial data to attribute data
Customize colour and classification methods
Understand how to use loops to make multiple maps
Know how to reproject spatial data
Be able to perform point in polygon operations
Know how to write shape files
Know how create a ‘heat-map’ style map using point data

Date: 1 December 2017, 10:00 (Friday, 8th week, Michaelmas 2017)
Venue: Saïd Business School, Park End Street OX1 1HP
Speaker: Dr Nick Bearman (Clear Mapping Co)
Organising department: Saïd Business School
Organiser: Claudia Seiler (University of Oxford, Said Business School)
Organiser contact email address: claudia.seiler@sbs.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: http://bit.ly/2spBEBP
Booking email: claudia.seiler@sbs.ox.ac.uk
Cost: £60 – UK registered students ; £100 – academics, public/3rd sector; £300 – all other participants
Audience: Public
Editor: Claudia Seiler