Mesh data is integral to hydrologic, hydraulic, oceanographic, meteorological, and environmental modelling. This course is designed to simplify the process of working with meshed datasets, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to effectively create, edit, or apply mesh data for use in water modelling.
Geospatial data for hydrologic and hydraulic modelling can be defined with raster grids or vector polygons with edges and vertices; each format has it's advantages, and familiarity with both formats allows users to optimise modelling workflows. In this hands-on course, you’ll master common mesh data formats, including NetCDF, using QGIS. Learn to leverage the powerful features of QGIS to analyse, visualise, and animate mesh data with precision. Whether you're mapping hydrodynamic flows, atmospheric conditions, or environmental patterns, this course provides the skills to transform your data into actionable features.
Ideal for modellers and both new and advanced GIS users, this course bridges the gap between raw data and customised applications in your field. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with practical techniques to enhance your workflows and communicate complex data insights with clarity, whether you’re applying the brand new meshing tools in HEC-RAS 2025, working with QGIS plugins for TUFLOW, mastering mesh generation for OpenFOAM, or applying your skills to any other modelling platform.
Hans van der Kwast has more than 20 years of experience with GIS and Remote Sensing in education and projects, offering consultancy, training and coaching in open source GIS. He is an active member in... Read more
A former archaeologist and ex-GISP, Kurt Menke is a geospatial generalist based out of Frederiksværk, Denmark. He received a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of New Mexico in 2000. ... Read more
Educated at the University of California at Berkeley, Krey is a civil engineer and project manager with international experience in water resources. He is engaged in computational modelling, engineeri... Read more
Course Overview
This course provides a comprehensive learning experience to enhance participants’ expertise in working with mesh data in QGIS. In this practical, hands-on course, participants will learn to analyse, visualise, and animate data using common mesh formats like NetCDF. Through engaging exercises with interactive, expert guidance, you’ll gain the skills to effectively manage complex datasets and apply them to real-world applications in hydraulics, oceanographic, meteorological and environmental modelling.
Learning Outcomes
In this course, you will be able to:
Grasp the fundamentals of a range of mesh data formats and their applications in various fields such as hydrologic modelling, hydraulic modelling, wave modelling, 3D CFD modelling, oceanography, meteorology, and environmental sciences.
Work proficiently with common mesh data formats, including NetCDF, within QGIS.
Perform analysis of mesh data to extract meaningful insights.
Create compelling visualisations of mesh data using QGIS’s powerful features.
Course Outline
Session 1: Understanding and Visualising Mesh Data in QGIS
Theory of mesh data.
Loading mesh data into QGIS.
Exploring mesh data.
Visualising mesh data with the Mesh Styling panel.
Animate temporal data.
Session 2: Analysing Mesh Data
Using the Vertical Controller.
Using the Mesh calculator.
Extract time series at a point.
Create graphs with the Data Plotly plugin.
Create a print layout with maps and graphs.
Format
2 x 2hr live interactive sessions from 4 – 6 PM Sydney Time
Session 1: Tuesday, 18 March
Session 2: Tuesday, 25 March
Ability to ask questions and have them answered in a live forum;
Written manual of the course, access to input files for workshop exercises, and working model downloads;
Ability to access all the online course materials for a further 30 days after the final live session of the course.
Pre-requisites
Basic GIS knowledge.
Prior experience using QGIS software, including basic operations like loading data, creating maps, and using plugins.
For participants new to QGIS, please view our introductory QGIS webinars:
