This tutorial covers various stages, including downloading and importing data, joining spatial and non-spatial data, creating the map with appropriate symbology, and exporting the final map. It provides practical tips for each step, making it suitable for beginners in GIS and cartography. The guide is straightforward and aims to simplify the process of thematic map creation in QGIS.
Downloading QGIS
Downloading Data
Importing Data into QGIS
Joining Spatial and Non-Spatial Data
Creating the Thematic Map
Exporting the Map
- Visit the official QGIS website at qgis.org.
- Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Click on the download link and follow the instructions to install QGIS on your computer.
- Once installed, open QGIS to begin working on your thematic map.
- Visit the Survey of India’s digital products page at Survey of India Digital Products.
- Choose the required spatial data, such as shapefiles for administrative boundaries or topographical maps.
- Select the desired format (e.g., shapefile) and complete the purchase procedure to download the files.
- Prepare any additional non-spatial data you may have in a format compatible with QGIS, like CSV.
- Open QGIS and import the shapefile by dragging and dropping it into the workspace.
- To add non-spatial data (e.g., CSV files), use the ‘Add Layer’ button and select ‘Add Vector Layer’ or ‘Add Delimited Text Layer,’ depending on your data format.
- If your thematic map requires data from a non-spatial source (like a CSV file), you’ll need to join this to your spatial data.
- Use the ‘Layer Properties’ of your spatial data, navigate to the ‘Joins’ tab, and set up a join based on a common field between the datasets.
- Right-click on the layer you want to theme and select ‘Properties.’
- Go to the ‘Symbology’ tab.
- Choose a method for displaying your data (e.g., ‘Categorized’ for qualitative data or ‘Graduated’ for quantitative data).
- Select the field that contains the data you want to display.
- Choose a colour ramp and adjust the settings according to your preference.
- Once you are satisfied with your map, you can export it by going to ‘Project’ > ‘New Print Layout.’
- Add your map and any additional elements (like legends, scale bars, etc.) in the print layout.
- Export the final map as an image or PDF
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