This course will give a broad overview on the principals and possibilities of geographic information systems and the basics to be able to start using a GIS software. The practical part of the course will focus on using existing sample files and available open source data files, both raster and vector data, to generate maps on different topics potentially relevant in the field of ecology. We will use very basic analysis tools to combine layers of different information and demonstrate the potentials of GIS software. Most exercises will be conducted in ArcGIS 10.2 and some additional exercises in QantumGIS. The main goal of this course is to be a door opener for the participants to realize to benefits we can gain from GIS in ecology and to start using a GIS software. The course will therefore highlight available tutorials to gain more advanced GIS skills on more specific tools maybe valuable for the individual work of the participants.