GTFS mapping tutorial

Welcome to this unit! It is the first hands-on tutorial of the course, where we put theory into practice by exploring transport mapping with QGIS.

Building on what you’ve learned about QGIS and transport data, this session guides you step-by-step through mapping and visualizing public transit data using static supply datasets like OpenStreetMap (OSM) and GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification).

In this tutorial, we’ll use QGIS—to create a public transit map. Starting with setting up your workspace, you’ll learn how to source data from platforms like GeoFabrik and TUMI Data Hub, install essential plugins (QuickOSM and GTFS-GO), and map transportation networks.

Using Kigali, Rwanda, as a case study, we’ll process and visualize data, converting stops and shapes to GeoJSON and creating transit routes with the Points-to-Path tool. You’ll also learn how to style and refine your map for clarity and impact.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a complete GTFS map for your selected city and the skills to apply these techniques to other datasets and locations. This hands-on experience is designed to deepen your understanding of QGIS and show its potential in solving transportation planning challenges.

In the next unit, you’ll have the chance to showcase your output by uploading your GTFS maps and explore advanced transport mapping techniques. Let’s get started!