Creating maps with QGIS

QGIS can be used to create printable maps with borders, scales, etc.

• From the menu bar, go to Project --> New Print Layout.
• Enter a name for the layout, e.g. dominica_moisture_index and click OK. A new window will open.
• In the new window, go to the menu bar and click Add Item --> Add Map. Draw a rectangle on the canvas to show the map. If you are not seeing the details you want, return to the main window and adjust the layers to display the required map details. Return to the layout window.
• To add a border, go to the Item Properties tab on the right and check Frame. Style the frame as desired.
• To add a title or any text, on the menu bar click Add Item --> Add Label. Draw the label text box. With the text box selected, go to Item Properties --> Main Properties and type the desired text. The text can be styled under Appearance.
• Add a scale bar.
• Add a north arrow.
• Add a legend to the map and style it as desired (edit, delete, spacing, etc.). Hint: the Auto update of Item Properties --> Lengend Items allows changes in the main window to be reflected on the map. Uncheck this if you are changing the legend entries yourself. Select Only show items inside linked map.
• Save your map layout by clicking Layout --> Save Project on the menu bar.
• Export the map: Layout --> Export as Image or Export as PDF.
• Close the map window when finished.
• You can reopen the layout from the main window menu bar: Project --> Layouts or use Project --> Layout Manager.

Sample map developed with QGIS.