THIS IS AN ARCHIVE. SUPERSED.


Step 5: Output your map, aka using the Print composer

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This section is to redo (update/upgrade)
 
What we want is this: a high quality topographic output. With QGis and experience, you can get this in about 5 to 10 minutes.

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

  In progress

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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!

Visual step-by-step

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  In progress