Step 1: Install the QChatGPT Plugin

To get started with the QChatGPT plugin, open QGIS and navigate to Plugins in the menu. Select Manage and Install Plugins.

In the plugin manager, search for QChat GPT, select it, and click Install. If this is your first installation, QGIS may need to install some additional dependencies.

Step 2: Open the QChatGPT Panel

Once installed, return to the Plugins menu, select QChat GPT, and open the QChatGPT panel. This will allow you to interact with the plugin.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin

In the QChatGPT panel, you will see a settings option where you can enter your OpenAI API key. You need this key to connect the plugin to OpenAI’s models.

Step 4: Use QChatGPT for Geocoding

You can ask QChatGPT to generate a GeoJSON point for a specific location. For example, request the point for Leeds, UK. Because the response comes from an LLM rather than a dedicated geocoding service, the coordinates are approximate — drawn from the model’s training data rather than a live geocoding database. Treat the result as a rough starting point and verify it against an authoritative source before use in any analysis.

Step 5: Analyse Geocoding Results

After requesting a GeoJSON point, you can visualise it on the map. If the result is not accurate, you can refine your request by providing more context.

Step 6: Utilise PyQGIS for Layer Management

Ask QChatGPT to provide a list of layers in your current project using PyQGIS. The plugin will return a formatted Python code snippet that you can run directly in the QGIS Python console.

Step 7: Enhance Context in Conversations

To improve the accuracy of responses, you can provide context by feeding previous prompts and answers back into QChatGPT. This helps the plugin understand your requests better.

Step 8: Explore Plugin Recommendations

Engage in a conversation with QChatGPT to find suitable plugins for your QGIS project. This can help you enhance your project with additional functionality.

Step 9: Perform Spatial Analysis

To analyse spatial data, ask QChatGPT how to count points within polygons. The plugin will provide options and SQL queries that you can use directly in your GeoPackage.

Step 10: Execute SQL Queries

Run the provided SQL queries in your GeoPackage to obtain the results. If you encounter errors, you can troubleshoot by adjusting the field names as suggested by the plugin.

FAQ

What is QChatGPT?

QChatGPT is a QGIS plugin developed by the KIOS Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence that integrates OpenAI’s API to assist users with geospatial tasks, Python coding, spatial queries, and more — directly within QGIS.

Do I need an API key to use QChatGPT?

Yes, you need to obtain an API key from OpenAI to use the QChatGPT plugin. The plugin itself is free and open-source, but each request you make consumes OpenAI API credits, which are billed by OpenAI based on usage.

Can I use QChatGPT for geocoding tasks?

QChatGPT can generate approximate GeoJSON coordinates for well-known locations by drawing on the language model’s training data. However, it is not a dedicated geocoding service, so results may be imprecise. For accurate geocoding, use a service such as Nominatim, Google Maps Platform, or the Geocoding API of your choice alongside QGIS.

Is QChatGPT free to use?

The QChatGPT plugin itself is free and open-source. However, each query is processed via the OpenAI API, which charges based on the number of tokens used. You will need an active OpenAI account with API access to use it.