2. Making maps in QGIS

2.1. 1. Introduction:

The goal of this demo is to show how to prepare printable maps with QGIS. In general (but not always!) hard copy maps consists of the following elements:

  • the map itself

  • a legend

  • a title

  • some descriptive text (data sources, metadata, authors, disclaimers, etc).

  • a north arrow

  • copyright notes

  • a scale bar

  • a locus map

We will demonstrate how to develop/design a map which includes these elements. At first we will create a thematic map for Amherst. Then we will add a north arrow, a scale bar and a copyright mark to the digital map. We will use the map composer to design a printable map. Let’s start QGIS!