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Using QGIS to map 2021/22 census data from the UK Data Service

15 Jul 2026 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Online
Training
Census data
Workshop

A table of numbers is not always the best way to present census data, often we want to visualise the information as a map to help people see patterns quickly.

This free online workshop will focus on the use of the free and open-source cross-platform QGIS GIS application to create maps and other geographical visualisations from 2021/22 census data provided by the UK Data Service (UKDS).

The session will include:

  • An introduction to UK census data, the UK Data Service, and the different types of UK census data provided by the service.
  • An exploration of the help resources available within UKDS to assist you with using census data.
  • Demonstrations of how to download census data from UKDS.
  • An introduction to maps and other forms of geographical data visualisation and a consideration of the common issues that need to be considered when applying geographical data visualisation to UK census data.
  • An introduction to the QGIS GIS application and demonstrations of using QGIS to create geographical visualisations from UK census data.

The workshop will consist of short presentations followed by practical demonstrations of using resources provided by UKDS and manipulating census data using QGIS. There will also be time available for attendees to ask questions.

Participants will be provided with materials covering the steps involved in the practical demonstrations should they wish to go through the steps themselves during or after the session.

Presenter: James Crone, UK Data Service. James Crone is a Data Engineer at EDINA, based at the University of Edinburgh, where he contributes to the delivery of census and other geospatial data through online services and supports the users of these services. James has been using geospatial data for over 20 years and is an enthusiastic user of open source geospatial software.

Level: Introductory, no prior experience is needed.

Experience/knowledge required: None, although to be able to carry out the steps involved in the practical exercises, participants will need to have installed on their own computer, the QGIS desktop GIS application, which is free to download and install. Instructions on how to install QGIS will be provided in advance of the session.

Target audience: Anyone wanting to get started with creating maps and other geographical visualisations from UK census data using the QGIS desktop GIS application.

This event will be livestreamed on our UK Data Service YouTube channel but the chat will be disabled. By registering and attending the Zoom event you will be able to ask questions and interact.

Recordings of UK Data Service events are made available on our YouTube channel and, together with the slides, on our past events pages soon after the event has taken place.