CREACION DE UN MAPA DESDE CERO QGIS

Summary

The video demonstrates how to create a basic map in QGIS from scratch, using Tlaxcala, Mexico, and Laguna de Atlangatepec as an example. It covers adding background and geographic data, creating a polygon layer, designing a print layout, and exporting the finished map as a PNG.

Main Ideas and Workflow

1. Add a Basemap

• Use the QuickMapServices plugin to add an OpenStreetMap basemap.
• The presenter assumes the plugin is already installed. If it is not, install it before continuing.

2. Load Administrative Boundary Data

• Download data from INEGI’s National Geostatistical Framework.
• Load the state boundary and Tlaxcala’s municipal boundaries into QGIS.
• Style the state boundary with no fill and a thicker outline.
• Style the municipal boundaries with a transparent fill and a contrasting outline color.
• Choose colors thoughtfully. For example, blue may suggest water, while green may suggest vegetation.

3. Create and Style a Polygon Layer

• Create a new shapefile layer and choose a geometry type that matches the feature being mapped. Use a polygon for the lagoon; points or lines may be appropriate for other features.
• Select the correct layer before editing so that new features are added to the intended layer.
• Use the polygon-drawing tool to trace the feature, finish the drawing, save the edit, and assign an identifier if needed.
• Adjust the polygon’s color and appearance through its layer properties.

4. Build a Print Layout

• Create a new Print Layout and add the map.
• Position and zoom the map to show the lagoon and its surroundings.
• If one map view does not provide enough context, add a second map at a wider extent.
• Add an overview frame to the wider map to show the area covered by the main map.

5. Add Map Information and Design Elements

• Turn on municipality labels using the relevant name field in the layer’s labeling settings. Adjust the font size and placement to keep labels readable and reduce overlap.
• Add and edit a legend so it clearly identifies the mapped layers. Disable automatic updates if needed, remove irrelevant entries, and rename unclear labels.
• Add a title, north arrow, scale bar, descriptive text, and logo where appropriate.
• Use frames and alignment tools to organize the layout. Adapt these elements to the map’s purpose.
• Add a grid or other layout options when needed.
• The presenter notes that using a “darken” blending mode may improve basemap labels that otherwise appear faint or pixelated.

6. Export and Review

• Export the layout as an image, using PNG in the example. The layout can also be exported in other formats, including PDF.
• Set the page dimensions and export resolution, then save the file.
• Open the exported image to check the result. If labels appear too large or overlap, return to QGIS, adjust their size or placement, and export again.

The overall lesson is that mapmaking is an iterative process: try different styling and layout options, inspect the export, and revise details until the map is clear and useful.

Speakers and Sources

• Speaker: One narrator and presenter delivers the QGIS tutorial.
• Mapping software: QGIS.
• Basemap source: OpenStreetMap, accessed through QuickMapServices.
• Administrative data source: INEGI’s National Geostatistical Framework.