Export Map

Overview

For our final topic in this exercise, we will export the map to a pdf file.

What's the difference between creating a static map versus a web map?

	Static Maps	Web Maps
Layers	Realistically only a few can be included on a single map without becoming overly complex	Additional layers can be included and toggled on/off
Data visualization	Predetermined way of visualizing data based on the map maker’s preferences	Can allow for interactivity in how data is display using filters, on/off toggles, or ability to change symbology
Interactivity	Paper can feel nice?	Users can zoom, pan, click, toggle on/off, and search
Map composition	Easy to add text, map elements, credits, etc. in layout manager	Requires configuring the map session preferences or editing the HTML file after production
Sharing	Image can be exported and shared as a standalone file	URL can be shared as a link and viewed on tablets, phones, or computers

Before we create a new map let's change a few things in the map:

• change path symbology to grey for all lines

• Toggle on heatmap and move it to the top of your layer list

Now let's create a map to export out as a pdf

1. Navigate to Project > New Print Layout

2. Type a name for map > OK

3. A new window will open with a blank canvas. To the left is your composer tools (scale bar, legend, north arrow, add picture, add attribute table, etc.) at the top is your main menu and tool bars.

4. From the left hand side tool bar select Add Map

5. Next, let's add a scale bar. Select scale bar and position and customize the appearance in the scale bar.

6. On the right hand side of our screen we see two new items in our items panel, the map and the scale bar. Right click scale bar from the items list and select item properties. You now have the option to customize it by change the scale units, label, color, etc.

7. Add a legend from the tool bar. You'll see we have a bunch of other layers showing up, even though they aren't displayed in the map. We can change that by right clicking Legend > Item Properties. Turn OFF Auto Update under Legend Items and toggle on "Only show items inside linked map".

8. That cleared all of the layers not visible in our map extent. However, we probably don't need state boundaries or the shaded relief in our legend. Remove this by highlighting the layer under the item properties legend and select the minus button.

9. Your map canvas should look something like this now.

9. Next let's create an inset map. First, lock the map and layers in your Map 1. When this option is enabled, any changes on the layers’ visibility in QGIS’ main window will not affect the layout’s map item.

10. From the left hand side tool bar add another map to your canavs. In the item properties of Map 2 adjust the scale so it's zoomed out.

11. Scroll down to the overview option and an overview and select Map1 frame.

10. If you don't like the basemap option or having the KDE displayed in your overview, save your layout and close out to your main QGIS window. Toggle on the layers you want to appear in your overivew map.

11. Return to your layout by going to Project > Layout

Your map should look something like this:

10. Take the next 5 minutes and play around with your map. Add some text, a photo of a pronghorn, and north arrow!

11. When you're ready export the map as a pdf from the top tool bar: