Path Analysis with Vector Data Using QGIS
Contents
Introduction
QGIS is an application that is used for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) purposes that is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). This software is user friendly. It runs on Linux, Unix, Windows, Mac OSX and Android. QGIS supports a variety of raster, vector and database formats and functions. The latest release is 3.10. It provides a continuous growing number of capabilities. It is provided by core functions and plugins. With QGIS, the user can manage, edit, conduct data analysis, visualize and create maps.
This tutorial will guide the user through the process of downloading data, adding it to QGIS and conducting the analysis to find sections on the path that connects to other path networks. In this tutorial, we will combine a variety of path networks and will find ways to access the main path through these networks. The goal is to find ways to access the main trail from different area within the city. This type of analysis can be used for any type of path analysis. In this tutorial, we will use the Rideau Trail as the main path that we are analyzing. The other paths that we will be using to access the Rideau Trail are city roads, cycling routes, paths and parks. The data that is used here are all open sourced data.
Objective
We will be conducting an analysis of vector data. To access the main trail, we will need to find which lines intersect with the main trail. This process will allow us to find which paths or roads within Ottawa intersect with the main trail. These intersections will show how we can access the main path from different sections of the city.
The Rideau Trail is a hiking trail that links Ottawa to Kingston, it is 387 km long. The Rideau Trail Association maintains the trail so others can use it. They also provide information so others can use the trail. Once we have conducted our analysis, we will cross reference our information with maps provided by the Rideau Trail Association. The map keys will help us identify which maps we will need; to view the area in more detail.
Data
The type of data that we will be using are Keyhole Markup Language (KML) and shapefiles. We will be using vector data for this analysis.
Process
Please download the data from the references section before starting the project.
Open QGIS 3.10.
Open a new project and give it a name.
Add the data that will be used.
Cross-Referencing With Other Maps
References
KML Data
Cycling Network: https://open.ottawa.ca/datasets/cycling-network
Park Paths: https://open.ottawa.ca/datasets/park-paths
Road_Centrelines: https://open.ottawa.ca/datasets/road-centrelines
Rideau Trail https://www.rideautrail.org/discover-the-trail/maps/
Shapefile of Ottawa
Ottawa Neighbourhood Study (ONS) - Neighbourhood Boundaries Gen 2: https://open.ottawa.ca/datasets/ottawa-neighbourhood-study-ons-neighbourhood-boundaries-gen-2