Wikipedia talk:Graphics Lab/Resources/QGis lesson : Archives

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=Step 5: Output your map, aka using the Print composer= {{Collapse|title=This section is to redo (update/upgrade)|1= You are now working with QGis, your GIS data—namely, ETOPO1—and your customized palette. To output your first topographic background, don't use File > Save as Image, which is a simple screenshot. For better quality, use the Print composer. This step will walk you through outputting a map like the one you see on the right, including a grid and an inset that lets the viewer know where in the world this section is located.


 * Background
 * 1) To give a smooth, gradient-like appearance to the colors, go to Layer > Properties > Colormap > Color interpolation (at the top), and set it to Linear.
 * 2) By default, the canvas of QGIS (geographic area visible in QGis) will become the area of interest for print composer.
 * 3) Open the Print composer: QGIS (1.7)> File > New Print Composer (Ctrl + P).

Placing the main section for output
In the print composer:
 * 1) On the right, under General, you can change the Size and Orientation of the image you will be outputting. A larger paper size and dpi means a higher quality, but don't go overboard! You don't want to end up with a huge file size that takes forever to upload and download.
 * 2) To add your map, you can either go to Layout > Add Map or click the Add new map icon in the toolbar.
 * 3) Click and drag in a diagonal motion across the white area to place your map. You can move it around and resize it once it's placed.

Adding a grid

 * 1) Make sure the placed map is selected—you will see four squares in the corners of the image when it is.
 * 2) On the right, go to the Item tab.
 * 3) Click on Grid and check the Show grid? option.
 * 4) Increase the Interval X and Interval Y fields. You can play around with the Offset X and Offset Y options, as well as the Grid type and Line color, until you get a grid you like. You can also turn on and change options for the border annotations.

Adding a localizer inset
Go to File > Export as Image or PDF or SVG (warning, SVG export is somewhat dodgy) and you have yourself a high quality topographic background! }}
 * 1) step
 * 2) step
 * 3) step