Fundamentals of GIS Using R and QGIS

In this chapter, we will learn the basics of how geographic information system (GIS) data is handled in R and QGIS and we will also learn about the different facilities provided by these two software for spatial data visualization. The focus will be on understanding the basics of vector data in the light of R and QGIS. Starting with the basics of GIS, projection systems, and the loading and visualization of these data in R and QGIS, we will be covering all of these with hands-on examples. We will start with the basics of spatial (here, vector) data, which will be followed by basic vector data loading and visualization in R, and lastly cover basic vector data loading and visualization again, but this time using QGIS.

Completing this chapter, you will learn about the following topics:

• The basics of GIS and vector data
• Coordinate transformation in R and QGIS
• Visualizing quantitative and qualitative data in maps in R
• Using OpenStreetMap (OSM) as background