{"id":19602,"date":"2019-08-05T07:00:18","date_gmt":"2019-08-05T12:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/?p=19602"},"modified":"2025-04-04T10:25:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T15:25:59","slug":"how-to-make-a-map-gis-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/how-to-make-a-map-gis-free\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Map in QGIS"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-image19602_944a0c-44 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image19602_944a0c-44 size-medium_large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-768x344.jpg\" alt=\"How To Make A Map QGIS 3\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-61373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-768x344.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-300x134.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-678x304.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-50x22.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-80x35.jpg 80w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-200x90.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-425x190.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-550x246.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-115x51.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3-360x161.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Make-A-Map-QGIS-3.jpg 1108w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to make a map with just 13 mouse clicks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone\u2019s always looking for the \u201ceasy button\u201d. If you want to know how to make a map using GIS for free, I have your \u201ceasy button\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But first, you may be wondering\u2026 \u201cWhy should I use GIS in the first place?\u201d. \u201cCan\u2019t I just find a free map maker online?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Possibly. But what I am going to show you today\u2026 The software is completely <strong>free to use<\/strong>. And the data is in the <strong>public domain<\/strong> so you can use it for any purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wanna know the best part? You can customize your map in a ridiculous number of ways. For example, you can add new sources of data, build various types of maps, and even publish it on the web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re just <strong>13 mouse clicks away<\/strong> from building a map fueled by GIS. So let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-tutorial-how-to-use-qgis-3\/\">Learn the Basics: A List of QGIS Tutorials<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Download and Install QGIS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 1: Go to the QGIS Download Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this example, we use QGIS (short for Quantum GIS) to build our map. QGIS is the MVP of open source GIS software because it\u2019s easy to use, free to download, and has limitless capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just a heads up, we&#8217;re counting mouse clicks. When we said it takes 13 clicks, we really meant it. Your first click is to follow this link to the portal where you can <a href=\"https:\/\/download.qgis.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">download QGIS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 2: Download QGIS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter your operating system, QGIS is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Before installing it, you have to download the QGIS Standalone Installer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"219\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-550x219.png\" alt=\"qgis installer\" class=\"wp-image-19662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-550x219.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-678x270.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-50x20.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-200x80.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-425x169.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer-115x46.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-installer.png 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a 64-bit operating system, your second click is to download the <em>QGIS Standalone Installer Version 3.X (64-bit)<\/em>. If not, then proceed with downloading the 32-bit version.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 3: Install QGIS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon completion, the installer will display it in your browser. Next, click the installer to begin the setup on your machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the installer doesn\u2019t show in your browser, you will have to locate it in your file explorer. For example, it will resemble the following file name Q<em>GIS-OSGeo4W-3.X-Setup-x86_64.exe<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b{margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);padding-top:5px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:30px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id19602_47028b-2b alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column19602_c6b5b4-20 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d\"]{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:15px;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_eeabbf-8d\"><strong>Get to know QGIS with these tutorials:<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-bottom:5px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id19602_bea6be-ea alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27{position:relative;}.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column19602_4ca3de-27 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kadence-post-image{padding-top:0px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kt-feat-image-align-left{grid-template-columns:30% auto;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kt-post-grid-wrap{gap:5px 25px;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;overflow:hidden;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item header{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .kt-blocks-above-categories{font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-transform:uppercase;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .entry-title{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:20px;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .entry-content{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:14px;line-height:24px;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kt-blocks-post-footer{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:12px;line-height:20px;text-transform:uppercase;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .entry-content:after{height:0px;}.kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 .kb-filter-item{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:2px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:5px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style><div class=\"wp-block-kadence-postgrid kt-blocks-post-loop-block alignnone kt-post-loop19602_235471-42 kt-post-grid-layout-grid \"><div class=\"kt-post-grid-layout-grid-wrap kt-post-grid-wrap\" data-columns-xxl=\"2\" data-columns-xl=\"2\" data-columns-md=\"2\" data-columns-sm=\"2\" data-columns-xs=\"1\" data-columns-ss=\"1\"data-item-selector=\".kt-post-masonry-item\" aria-label=\"Post Carousel\"><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-66120 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-gis-analysis tag-qgis-tutorials\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-nocrop\" style=\"padding-bottom:43.7%;\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-geocoding\/\" aria-label=\"QGIS Geocoding: Addresses to Points\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"437\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-Geocoding.jpg\" class=\"attachment-Small Size size-Small Size wp-post-image\" alt=\"QGIS Geocoding\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-Geocoding.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-Geocoding-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-Geocoding-678x296.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-Geocoding-768x336.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h6 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-geocoding\/\">QGIS Geocoding: Addresses to Points<\/a><\/h6><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-66681 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-gis-analysis tag-qgis-tutorials\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-nocrop\" style=\"padding-bottom:48%;\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-wms\/\" aria-label=\"How To Add a Web Mapping Service (WMS) in QGIS\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-WMS-Layers.jpg\" class=\"attachment-Small Size size-Small Size wp-post-image\" alt=\"QGIS WMS Layers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-WMS-Layers.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-WMS-Layers-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-WMS-Layers-678x325.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/QGIS-WMS-Layers-768x369.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h6 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-wms\/\">How To Add a Web Mapping Service (WMS) in QGIS<\/a><\/h6><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div><!-- .wp-block-kadence-postgrid --><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 4: Accept Agreement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to use QGIS, you have to accept the license agreement. QGIS is licensed under GPL which grants you 4 freedoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First, you can run the program as you wish, for any purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondly, you can access the source code and modify it to suit your needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Next, you can redistribute it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And finally, you can distribute your modified version to others so they can benefit from it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license-550x276.png\" alt=\"how to map qgis license\" class=\"wp-image-19663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license-550x276.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license-300x151.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license-50x25.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license-200x100.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license-425x214.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license-115x58.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgis-license.png 611w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 5: Close Installer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So far, it\u2019s been as easy as pie. Now that QGIS 3 is fully installed on your machine, the last mouse click is to close the installer. At this point, there\u2019s no need to start QGIS. If you\u2019ve been counting your mouse clicks, we should be at 5. Give or take a couple :)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next big step is to download data for QGIS. Geospatial data is what powers your maps with geography. Also important is that each feature has associated attributes. For example, each city is a point. One attribute is its &#8220;name&#8221; such as &#8220;New York&#8221;. QGIS uses these attributes as labels on the map.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03{margin-top:25px;margin-bottom:25px;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);padding-top:5px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:30px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03{border-top:1px solid #dedede;border-right:1px solid #dedede;border-bottom:1px solid #dedede;border-left:1px solid #dedede;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id19602_e4b5fb-03 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column19602_8587d5-25 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb\"]{padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:15px;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading19602_563c19-cb\"><strong>Get to know QGIS with these tutorials:<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-bottom:5px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id19602_4bdfbe-a5 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b{position:relative;}.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column19602_753de3-2b:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column19602_753de3-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column19602_753de3-2b inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kadence-post-image{padding-top:0px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kt-feat-image-align-left{grid-template-columns:30% auto;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kt-post-grid-wrap{gap:5px 25px;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;overflow:hidden;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item header{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .kt-blocks-above-categories{font-size:13px;line-height:20px;text-transform:uppercase;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .entry-title{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:20px;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .entry-content{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:14px;line-height:24px;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kt-blocks-post-footer{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:12px;line-height:20px;text-transform:uppercase;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .entry-content:after{height:0px;}.kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 .kb-filter-item{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:2px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:5px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style><div class=\"wp-block-kadence-postgrid kt-blocks-post-loop-block alignnone kt-post-loop19602_b728ae-34 kt-post-grid-layout-grid \"><div class=\"kt-post-grid-layout-grid-wrap kt-post-grid-wrap\" data-columns-xxl=\"2\" data-columns-xl=\"2\" data-columns-md=\"2\" data-columns-sm=\"2\" data-columns-xs=\"1\" data-columns-ss=\"1\"data-item-selector=\".kt-post-masonry-item\" aria-label=\"Post Carousel\"><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-66127 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-gis-analysis tag-qgis-tutorials\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-nocrop\" style=\"padding-bottom:57.5%;\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/quickmapservices\/\" aria-label=\"QuickMapServices: Basemaps for QGIS\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"115\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-200x115.png\" class=\"attachment-Small Size size-Small Size wp-post-image\" alt=\"QuickMapServices OSM Imagery\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-200x115.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-300x172.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-678x389.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-768x441.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-50x29.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-425x244.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-550x316.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-115x66.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-1265x727.png 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery-360x207.png 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QuickMapServices-OSM-Imagery.png 1325w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h6 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/quickmapservices\/\">QuickMapServices: Basemaps for QGIS<\/a><\/h6><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-66132 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-gis-analysis tag-qgis-tutorials\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-nocrop\" style=\"padding-bottom:43%;\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"presentation\" href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-openstreetmap\/\" aria-label=\"QGIS OpenStreetMap: OSM Plugins for QGIS\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"86\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-200x86.png\" class=\"attachment-Small Size size-Small Size wp-post-image\" alt=\"QGIS OpenStreetMap\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-200x86.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-300x129.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-678x292.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-768x331.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-1536x662.png 1536w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-50x22.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-620x264.png 620w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-425x183.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-550x237.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-115x50.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-1265x545.png 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-360x155.png 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap-1550x668.png 1550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/QGIS-OpenStreetMap.png 1856w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h6 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-openstreetmap\/\">QGIS OpenStreetMap: OSM Plugins for QGIS<\/a><\/h6><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div><!-- .wp-block-kadence-postgrid --><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Jump Into the QGIS Quick Start Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 6 &amp; 7: Download the Natural Earth Quick Start Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Natural Earth (NE) Quick Start Kit is your &#8220;easy button&#8221;. As you\u2019re about to see, all you have to do is download and launch it. For your first click, go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturalearthdata.com\/downloads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Natural Earth downloads<\/a> page. Then in your next mouse click, download the Natural Earth Quick Start Kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"347\" height=\"232\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-natural-earth-quick-start.png\" alt=\"how to map natural earth quick-start\" class=\"wp-image-19658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-natural-earth-quick-start.png 347w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-natural-earth-quick-start-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-natural-earth-quick-start-50x33.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-natural-earth-quick-start-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-natural-earth-quick-start-200x134.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-natural-earth-quick-start-115x77.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 347px) 100vw, 347px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The quick-start kit contains all the necessary datasets you need to get started. The Natural Earth project is propelled by the <a href=\"https:\/\/nacis.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS)<\/a>. So not only do you get open, accurate, and complete spatial data&#8230; but you get symbology, labeling, and artistic talents from cartographers at NACIS.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 8, 9 &amp; 10: Extract Quick-Start Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After it finishes downloading, it\u2019s compressed as a zip file. Right-click <em>Natural_Earth_quick_start.zip<\/em> and left-click to extract it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will decompress the zip file and put the data in a usable form. For the next step, you will need to find the QGS project file which resembles the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"310\" height=\"135\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgs-project-file.png\" alt=\"qgs project file\" class=\"wp-image-19672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgs-project-file.png 310w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgs-project-file-300x131.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgs-project-file-50x22.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgs-project-file-80x35.png 80w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgs-project-file-200x87.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-qgs-project-file-115x50.png 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Click 11, 12 &amp; 13: Open the QGS Project File<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, we have QGIS installed and data from Natural Earth. Fortunately, the Natural Earth Quick-Start kit comes equipped with a project file. The project file puts all your data in the table of contents so you can view it on a map canvas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The QGS project file is buried in a couple of folders so be on the hunt for it. Once you find <em>Natural_Earth_quick_start_for_QGIS_v3.qgs<\/em>, double-click to open it. This will trigger QGIS to start up with all layers loaded in the map canvas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we made it to 13 clicks. If you followed each step correctly, your map and table of contents should look more or less like those below. It&#8217;s a map. But it&#8217;s still missing some of the final touches.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image19602_cf27d5-00 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}.kb-image19602_cf27d5-00 img.kb-img, .kb-image19602_cf27d5-00 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #cacaca;border-right:1px solid #cacaca;border-bottom:1px solid #cacaca;border-left:1px solid #cacaca;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-image19602_cf27d5-00 img.kb-img, .kb-image19602_cf27d5-00 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #cacaca;border-right:1px solid #cacaca;border-bottom:1px solid #cacaca;border-left:1px solid #cacaca;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-image19602_cf27d5-00 img.kb-img, .kb-image19602_cf27d5-00 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #cacaca;border-right:1px solid #cacaca;border-bottom:1px solid #cacaca;border-left:1px solid #cacaca;}}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image19602_cf27d5-00\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-678x380.jpg\" alt=\"how to map quick start united states\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-19653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-678x380.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-50x28.jpg 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-580x326.jpg 580w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-174x98.jpg 174w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-70x40.jpg 70w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-200x112.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-425x238.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-550x308.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-115x64.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-1265x709.jpg 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states-850x477.jpg 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/how-to-map-quick-start-united-states.jpg 1537w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Final Touches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build a print layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So far, you\u2019ve built a map using QGIS and Natural Earth data with just 13 mouse clicks. If you want to create a map product from this view, you can export it as an image or PDF <em>(Project &gt; Import\/Export &gt; Export Map to PDF)<\/em>. But unfortunately, you\u2019re missing the most common map elements like a legend, scale bar, and north arrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to add these common map elements, you will have to create a &#8220;print layout&#8221; <em>(Project &gt; New Print Layout)<\/em>. Beforehand, zoom to your area of interest. Then, give your layout a name such as &#8220;Hawaii&#8221;. Print layouts almost act like separate applications because they display in entirely different windows.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image19602_b96018-99 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}.kb-image19602_b96018-99 img.kb-img, .kb-image19602_b96018-99 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #cacaca;border-right:1px solid #cacaca;border-bottom:1px solid #cacaca;border-left:1px solid #cacaca;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-image19602_b96018-99 img.kb-img, .kb-image19602_b96018-99 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #cacaca;border-right:1px solid #cacaca;border-bottom:1px solid #cacaca;border-left:1px solid #cacaca;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-image19602_b96018-99 img.kb-img, .kb-image19602_b96018-99 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #cacaca;border-right:1px solid #cacaca;border-bottom:1px solid #cacaca;border-left:1px solid #cacaca;}}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image19602_b96018-99\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"678\" height=\"415\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-678x415.png\" alt=\"QGIS blank print layout\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-19698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-678x415.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-300x183.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-768x470.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-50x31.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-200x122.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-425x260.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-550x336.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-115x70.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-1265x773.png 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout-850x520.png 850w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/QGIS-blank-print-layout.png 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Add a new map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For these steps, see the image below for reference. First, click the <em>Create Map<\/em> button. Then, create a rectangle to generate a new map. The map in your print layout replicates the one from your main view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you want to add or remove features in your map, make sure you click the <em>Refresh<\/em> button so those changes are reflected in your print layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to pan in any direction, select the <em>Move Item Content<\/em> button. For zooming in and out, you can use the Scale in the item properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"637\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Map-Quick-Start-Hawaii-Print-Layout.jpg\" alt=\"How To Map Quick Start Hawaii Print Layout\" class=\"has-border-color has-theme-palette-6-border-color wp-image-97272\" style=\"border-width:1px;width:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Map-Quick-Start-Hawaii-Print-Layout.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Map-Quick-Start-Hawaii-Print-Layout-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Map-Quick-Start-Hawaii-Print-Layout-678x432.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/How-To-Map-Quick-Start-Hawaii-Print-Layout-768x489.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Insert a title and north arrow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The map title describes the subject of the map. If you want to add a title click the <em>Add Label<\/em> button. Next, find a spot on your map and change the text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to add a North arrow, then click the <em>Add Image<\/em> button. In the item properties tab, choose the North arrow you want to use in your map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Title-North-Arrow.jpg\" alt=\"QGIS Title North Arrow\" class=\"has-border-color has-theme-palette-6-border-color wp-image-97269\" style=\"border-width:1px;width:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Title-North-Arrow.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Title-North-Arrow-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Title-North-Arrow-678x401.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Title-North-Arrow-768x455.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Add a scale bar and legend<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Maps always incorporate a <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/map-scale-bar-inset-map-ratio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">representation of scale<\/a>. Small-scale maps cover more ground such as the size of a country. But large-scale maps have more detail such as a tiny settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scale refers to the size of the map relative to the size of the ground it represents. If you want to add a scale bar, click the <em>Add Scale Bar<\/em> button. Next, you can change the unit of distance such as feet, meters, or miles that are proportional to the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, click the <em>Add Legend<\/em> button to insert one in the map. By clicking the filter button on the &#8220;Item Properties&#8221; tab, it limits the legend to what&#8217;s displayed on the map. You&#8217;ll notice that the legend item descriptions need a bit of work. Even though it can be tedious, you&#8217;ll have to change every legend item to something cleaner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Legend-Scalebar.jpg\" alt=\"QGIS Legend Scalebar\" class=\"has-border-color has-theme-palette-6-border-color wp-image-97271\" style=\"border-width:1px;width:675px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Legend-Scalebar.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Legend-Scalebar-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Legend-Scalebar-678x401.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/QGIS-Legend-Scalebar-768x455.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do-It-Yourself Mapping in QGIS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The data behind the maps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you\u2019ve learned, Natural Earth is as reliable as they come. Put it in tandem with QGIS and you&#8217;ve got a powerful tag team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what if you want more data in your maps? Here are the best sources for GIS, satellite, and elevation data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/best-free-gis-data-sources-raster-vector\/\">10 Free GIS Data Sources: Best Global Raster and Vector Datasets<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-satellite-imagery-data-list\/\">15 Free Satellite Imagery Data Sources<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-global-dem-data-sources\/\">5 Free Global DEM Data Sources \u2013 Digital Elevation Models<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, if you want highly detailed data like restaurants, hotels, police stations, churches, beaches, bus stops, and traffic signals, we recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/openstreetmap-download-osm-data\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">OpenStreetMap (OSM) data<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OSM is like the Wikipedia of maps. It was created by the largest open community of mappers in the world. Just in New York alone, they\u2019ve digitized close to 2 million infrastructure footprints. But we can promise you this: quality and completeness vary around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let&#8217;s wrap things up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, you&#8217;ve learned <strong>how to make a map<\/strong> using GIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You combined Natural Earth data with QGIS 3 to build an unstoppable duo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But your journey can&#8217;t end here because there&#8217;s still more to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out some of our articles below and explore the unlimited capabilities of QGIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-3\/\">The Hidden Powers of QGIS 3: 33 Truly Underappreciated Features and Plugins<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/how-to-create-qgis-atlas-mapbooks\/\">How to Create QGIS Atlas Mapbooks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/qgis-arcgis-differences\/\">27 Differences Between ArcGIS and QGIS \u2013 The Most Epic GIS Software Battle in GIS History<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone&#8217;s looking for the &#8220;easy button&#8221;. If you want to know how to make a map using GIS for free, I have your &#8220;easy button&#8221;. using QGIS and Natural Earth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[484],"class_list":["post-19602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gis-analysis","tag-qgis-tutorials"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Make a Map in QGIS - GIS Geography<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everyone&#039;s looking for the &quot;easy button&quot;. 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