Map Making using QGIS

1. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
Map Making using QGIS
1.0 Introduction
Cartoghraphy is the study and practice of making maps.
Cartoghraphy or mapmaking, has been an integral part of the human history for thousands of years.
From cave paintings to ancient maps of Babylon, Greece.
A map is a graphic representation or scale model of spatial concepts. It is a means for conveying
geographic information. Maps are a universal medium for communication, easily understood and
appreciated by most people, regardless of language or culture. Incorporated in a map is the
understanding that it is a "snapshot" of an idea, a single picture, a selection of concepts from a
constantly changing database of geographic information (Merriam 1996).
2.0 History of Cartography
The term cartography is modern, loaned into English from French cartographie in the 1840s, based
on Middle Latin carta meaning "map".
N.B:Good map design is learned
Standard Map Features.
1. Title
2. Scale
3. North Arrow/Orientation/direction.
4. Legend.
5. Source.
6. Author.
7. Date.

2. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
3.0 The Map making in QGIS
For Creation of Map there should be spatial data in the map canvas already
Click on Project>>>New Print Composer for Beginning on map composing.
Click on “OK”

3. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
The Menu Bar consists of File,Edit,View,Layout,atlas and Settings.
To Add the Panels if there are missing You Click VIEW>>>Panels>>>Then Tick composition,item
Properties,command Histroy,Atlas Generation and Items.
N.B If they are cheked there is no need of checking.
Below are the tools for working on during Map compostion or preparation of thematic map
Icon Pupose Icon Pupose
This is Used to Add new
Map.This reflects from what
is kept on Map Canvas
This zooms the Map.

4. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
Pan Composer.It enables you
to pan your map
This is typically for Texting label
normally termed as Add New Label.
i.e Writting text data in your map
frame.
This is known as Add new
Legend.This adds the Legend
or Key as in the layer panel.
This is used to Add New Scale bar.It
shows the Scale Bar
This Selects or Move item
with relation to the Map
frame.
Move Item Content.This moves the
item contents within the map.
Add Arrow.This Adds the
North Arrow,we all know that
direction is also the vital point
in cartography.
Adds Image.This adds image/ Picture
Adds Shape.It can add either
Triangle,Rectangle or Elipse
It Adds Nodes.
Exports the Map as
Image,SVG and Pdf
respectively
This Adds Attribute table.
Zooms in and Zooms out
icons respectively.
Printing tool.
They can be found on Layout or Side Tool bars as shown below:
Add new Map then use Move item Content to positon the map correctly in it’s data
frame.

5. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
Click the Add new Label/ Text Label for writting the Text data as in the “Title” or Data Source”
or “Author”
Add the Arrow for Direction by pointing from downwards to the top, for North direction.

6. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
Add Scale
Add Legend or Key
Legend can be adjusted if the Key has alot of values for good presentation of the map.

7. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
Add Photo or picture for wheather a National Logo,Council Logo or Company Logo

8. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
You can add background as in trying to beautify a map but it all depends with the audience
Adding Frame and Grids in the map as in Grids will eventually account with the Coordinates as per
cartography principles.
Note:It is activated after clicking (Select/Move item) the Map frame

9. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
Adjusting the intervals of X and Y to get the appropriate grid scale and Drawing cooridinates for
better presentation

10. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com

11. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
Now we have finished with the Thematic Map Making we can now either Export the map as
Image,SVG or PDF.
We are done now you can share your beautiful map to ypour intended audience but,
Note that: The beauty of the map depends on the cartoghrapher as long as you follow the
cartographic principles.

12. Without maps we are spatially blind
Eng Arnold M Kilaini-kilaini1@gmail.com
4.0 References
Merriam, D.F. 1996. Kansas 19th century geologic maps. Kansas Academy of Science,
Transactions 99, p. 95-114.
UWFGISMOOC-MapDesign
History of Cartography-Wikipedia
THE END