GettingStarted.md

Getting Started

A Guide for the Very Beginner

Introduction

This project makes use of two main tools:

1. QGIS
2. GitHub

While the creators of this project assume contributors have a good understanding of the concepts of GIS, they don't necessarily expect that you have experience with QGIS. The same is generally true of GitHub - you should have basic data management skills, but maybe you haven't worked with GitHub yet. For people new to the version control concept, we'll recommend you start with GitHub Desktop, but if you're already using another tool, feel free to use what works for you. If you're already a pro with both version control & QGIS, great! If not, we have some suggestions for how to get started and where to learn the skills you'll need.

Tasks Before You Get Started:

1. If you don't already have one, set up your GitHub Account: https://help.github.com/articles/signing-up-for-a-new-github-account/

   • We recommend you use a professional string for your user name that your colleagues will be able to use to easily idenfity you.

2. Install:

   1. QGIS
   2. GitHub Desktop

3. Tutorials:

   1. QGIS: https://docs.qgis.org/2.18/en/docs/training_manual/
      1. Section 2: The Interface
      2. Section 3 (just the basics, not the SVG fill section): Creating a Basic Map
      3. Section 6 (through 6.2.2): Creating Vector Data
   2. GitHub (in general): https://guides.github.com/
      1. Understanding the GitHub Flow: https://guides.github.com/introduction/flow/
      2. Forking Projects: https://guides.github.com/activities/forking/
   3. GitHub Desktop: https://help.github.com/desktop/

4. More Learning:

   1. GeoJSON Files: http://geojson.org/
   2. Public Land Survey System (PLSS): https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/a_plss.html

Getting Help

Don't hesitate to ask questions as you're getting started or at any point in the process.