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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Toolbar in QGIS?

Adjust the overall layout of the project

Manage data storage and retrieval

Access to all project settings

Access to most functions found in the menu options (correct)

How can you control which layers are visible in a QGIS project?

By modifying the map canvas settings

By applying symbology customization

By adjusting the zoom level

By using the Table of Contents area (correct)

What types of data can be added to QGIS projects?

Only raster data

Only Esri geodatabase formats

Only vector data

Vector, raster, and Esri geodatabase formats (correct)

Which part of the QGIS interface is primarily used for displaying maps?

Map Canvas Signup and view all the answers

What should a user confirm before adding data to a QGIS project?

The types of data being added Signup and view all the answers

What item can you access through the Menu Options bar in QGIS?

Various QGIS features Signup and view all the answers

What happens to layers in QGIS when they are added to the project?

They are stacked on top of each other. Signup and view all the answers

Which function does the Status Bar in QGIS provide?

Shows the current cursor position on the map Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in changing a layer's symbology?

Right click on the layer and select Properties Signup and view all the answers

Which option allows the creation of a map that can be published in reports or emails?

Print Composer Signup and view all the answers

When selecting the Fill Option for layer symbology, which choice results in no color fill?

Transparent Fill Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in adding a map to the Print Composer?

Upload the map from an external source Signup and view all the answers

What setting must be adjusted first when creating a new print layout?

Set the size of the paper for the map Signup and view all the answers

In the Symbology options, which choice allows you to categorize data based on specified values?

Classify Signup and view all the answers

Which layer option would you select to fill polygons with a specific color?

Simple Fill Signup and view all the answers

How can you reposition any element on the Print Canvas after adding it?

Use the Select/Move Item tool Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in adding ESRI Shapefiles to the map in QGIS?

Select 'All files (*)' and filter for ESRI Shapefiles. Signup and view all the answers

How can you change the visual appearance of a layer in QGIS?

By using the Symbology settings. Signup and view all the answers

To label individual features in a vector layer, which tab do you need to access?

The Labels tab. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to save a QGIS project after loading layers?

Use the Save Project button. Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute can be changed in the Labels tab for a layer in QGIS?

Font type and size. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to reopen a saved project in QGIS?

Use the Open Project button and navigate to the saved file. Signup and view all the answers

What is the default action you take before adding a new layer to the map?

Open the correct folder and select the file. Signup and view all the answers

What visual aspect can you modify when changing a layer's symbology in QGIS?

Line thickness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

QGIS Interface

The QGIS work area has seven parts: Menu Options, Toolbar, Map Canvas, Browser, Table of Contents, Tool Box and Status Bar.
The Menu Options bar provides access to various QGIS features with a standard hierarchical menu (drop down menu).
The Toolbar provides access to most of the functions found in the Menu Options bar, plus additional tools for interacting with the map canvas.
The Map Canvas is the main part of QGIS. This is where maps are displayed.
The Table of Contents area lists all the layers in your map project. Click on a check box to turn a layer on or off.

Layers

Layers are the mechanism used to display spatial datasets in QGIS.
Each layer relates to a specific dataset and specifies how that dataset is displayed using symbols and text labels.
Each map created in QGIS is assembled by adding a series of layers.
All the layers are stacked on top of each other to create a representation of the real world. Just like layers in a cake, only the top layer is visible.

Symbology

The symbology of a layer is its visual appearance on the map.
When a layer is added to the map, it will be loaded in a default symbology (color, line thickness, etc.).
Modifying symbology of a layer within QGIS can change the map's appearance.
Different types of symbology options are available within QGIS.

Changing Layer Symbology

To change a layer's symbology, open its Layer Properties by right-clicking on the layer.
Right-click on the Provinces2 vector layer and select Properties.
Choose Symbology.
Select Simple Symbol from the pulldown menu.
Choose Simple Fill and Transparent Fill under the Fill Option.
Click OK.

Line Symbology

Right-click on The National roads SA vector layer, select Properties.
Choose Symbology.
Select Simple Symbol from the pulldown menu.
Select Simple Line/Fill.
Choose the color (e.g., red).
Click OK.

Category Symbology

Right-click on the Provinces2 vector layer.
Select Properties.
Choose Symbology.
Select Categorized.
Under Value, select 'Provinces'.
Select Classify.
Click OK.

Adding Data to QGIS

There are separate buttons for adding different data types, such as vector or raster data, or data packaged as an Esri geodatabase.
Click the Add Vector Layer button.
Navigate to the folder containing the data.
Select the Part 1 SA.shp file and click Open.
Click Add.
Repeat the process for Part 2 SA.shp and provinces2.shp files.
Finally, add the National roads SA.shp file.

Labelling Features

Labelling allows more information to be displayed on the map.
Individual features in a layer can be labelled using attributes relating to that layer.
Right-click the Provinces2 vector layer and select Properties.
Select the Labels tab.
Choose Single Labels and the 'Label this layer' box.
Click Text to change font type, size and color.
Click OK.

Saving and Opening QGIS Projects

Save the project to allow for returning to it later.
Click the Save Project button.
Save the project as Practice 1.
Close QGIS and then open it again.
Click the Open Project button.
Navigate to the folder that you saved the project.
Select Practice 1.qgs file.
Click Open.

Creating Maps

The Print Composer tool is used to create an output map, which may be used in a document, printed, or emailed.
Select New Print Composer from the toolbar.
Name your new print layout "Output 1".
Click OK.
Set the size of paper the map will be published on.
Right-click the Print Canvas, select Properties.
Add the map to the page, leaving enough room for other elements.
Select the Add Map tool from the toolbar.
Click near the top left corner of the page and drag a box to the bottom right to insert the map.
Use the select/move item tool to reposition any element on the Print Canvas.
Click the Add Layer button and navigate to the data folder.
Select "All files (*)" and filter the displayed files by selecting ESRI Shapefiles from the drop-down menu.
Select Part 1 SA.shp and click Open.
Click Add.
Repeat the process to add Part 2 SA.shp and provinces2.shp, then National roads SA.shp to the map.