Adding a grid to your maps in QGIS is a fantastic way to help viewers orient themselves in space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adding grids, ensuring your maps are both informative and visually appealing.
Step 1: Open Your Print Layout
First, open up your print layout in QGIS. For this tutorial, we’ll be using a simple layout that shows the counties of Vermont. Ensure that your layout is set to letter size with half-inch guides for a clean look.
Step 2: Activate the Map Item
Click on the map area in your layout to make it the active item. This is crucial as we will be modifying properties specific to this map.
Step 3: Add a Grid
Now, navigate to the item properties tab and scroll down to the grid section. Here, you can add a grid to your map. Make sure the grid option is highlighted, then proceed to modify it.
Step 4: Choose Your Grid Type
For this tutorial, we’ll use a cross grid type. You might want to experiment with different types to see what works best for your map’s purpose.
Step 5: Set the Grid Interval
Next, it’s time to set the interval for your grid. Start by selecting an interval of 10,000 meters, which equals 10 kilometers. This will give you a clear visual separation between grid lines.
Step 6: Adjust the Interval Further
If you want a more spaced-out grid, you can adjust the interval to 100,000 meters, which is 100 kilometers apart. This will make the grid marks much more prominent.
Step 7: Use WGS 84 Coordinate System
For most applications, you may want to use a more commonly recognized coordinate system like WGS 84 or EPSG:4326. Select this option and adjust the interval down to 1 to create finer grid lines.
Step 8: Fine-Tune the Grid
To make your grid even more detailed, drop the interval further to 0.5. This will give you a dense network of grid lines.
Step 9: Choose a Frame Style
Next, let’s enhance the appearance of the grid by selecting a frame style. A zebra frame can add a nice visual touch to your map.
Step 10: Draw Coordinates
To help viewers interpret the grid, you’ll need to draw the coordinates. You can choose from various formats, but I recommend using decimal with a suffix for clarity.
Step 11: Adjust Coordinate Orientation
Next, change the orientation of the coordinates. Set the right side to vertical descending to ensure everything fits nicely on the page.
Step 12: Set Coordinate Precision
Finally, drop the coordinate precision down to one decimal place. This will keep your map clean while still conveying essential information.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully added a grid system to your map in QGIS, making it easier for viewers to navigate and understand spatial relationships. Now, your maps will not only be visually appealing but also functional.
