1. Using the QGIS Layout Manager to create
Session 15 –
Using the QGIS Layout Manager to create
a layout and save/print your map
Izay Pantanilla - HGLC

2. Creating a thematic map using a map template
This session will help you create a thematic map using a map template.
A map template will reduce the time used in creating maps as the map elements are already in place.
You should know at this point the appropriate orientation for your map.

3. Creating a thematic map using a map template
This session is based on Annex 7: Creating a thematic map in QGIS using a map template of the guidance on creating thematic maps using GIS software
If you want to create a thematic map without a map template in QGIS, please refer to Annex 3: Creating a thematic map in QGIS
If you want to learn how to create a map template in QGIS, please refer to Annex 5: Creating a map template in QGIS.
Guide_HGLC_Part2_6_1.pdf

4. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Opening the map template
Open QGIS
Open the project file where you have your data symbolized and labeled.
From the main menu, click Project > Layout Manager…

5. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Opening the map template
The Layout Manager window opens. In the “New from template” dropdown list, click Specific.

6. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Opening the map template
Click the browse button and go to your USB drive. In the QGIS > TEMPLATE folder, select the MOHS_Template_Portrait.qpt or MOHS_Template_Landscape.qpt file according to the chosen orientation for your map then click Open.
In the Layout Manager window, click Create.
Type in a unique print layout title in the field that appears. (Otherwise a title will be generated for you.) Click OK.

7. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Centering the focus of your map
The map template will open in a new window.
If you don’t see your symbolized data on the template:
Click the map area or click the corresponding item in the Items list on the right side.
On the Item Properties tab below the Items list, expand the Extents section then click on Set to map canvas extent.

8. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Centering the focus of your map
Check that the focus of your map is in the center of the map area.
If you just need to pan/move your map, use the Move item content button on the Toolbox toolbar.
If you need to zoom in or out on the map, go back to the main QGIS window (the one where you symbolized your layers) and use the Zoom In or Zoom Out button on the Map Navigation toolbar.
Then go back to the layout window and click Set to map canvas extent.

9. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the map legend
To edit the legend, click on the legend in the map template or in the Items list.
In the Item Properties tab, Legend items section:
Make sure that the Auto update button is unchecked. Doing this will allow you to edit the legend items.
Click the Update all button to ensure that all items are listed.
To move an item down or up the list, click the item then use the Down or Up buttons

10. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the map legend
In the Item Properties tab, Legend items section:
If you need to remove a legend item, click the item then click the Minus button at the bottom.
If you need to add a legend item, click the Add button Choose the layer you want to add from the list then click OK.
To rename an item, click the item then click the Edit button Edit the name in the window that appears then click OK.

11. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the map legend
In the Item Properties tab, Fonts section:
You can edit the font of the legend items by clicking on the correct group then selecting your desired font type, style, and size.

12. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the map legend
In the Item Properties tab, Columns section, you can specify if you need one or more columns for your legend items.
In the Item Properties tab, Symbol section, you can change the width and height of the symbols in the legend.

13. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the map legend
If the legend box needs to be repositioned, click, hold, and drag it to the correct position.
Or click it and use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move it to the correct position.

14. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the scale bar
Depending on the size of the area you mapped, the scale bar would need to be adjusted.
Click the scale bar.
In the Item Properties tab, Units section and Segments section, enter a label unit multiplier and units to fix the width to that are appropriate for your map.

15. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the text
To add the map title, click the “Map Title” place holder.
In the Item Properties tab, in the Main properties section, type in the title of your map.

16. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the text
In the Appearance section, you can change the font type and color, text margin, and text alignment.

17. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Editing the text
Add the map production date, project file name, and additional information (if needed) by clicking the place holders for these map elements and repeating steps in the Editing the text section.
Review your map layout and make sure that all elements are complete and the overall look is clean and balanced.

18. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Exporting your finished map
Once you are satisfied with you map, click the Layout tab on the right side then expand the Export settings section.
Make sure that the export resolution is set to 300 dpi or higher.

19. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Exporting your finished map
In the main menu, click Layout then choose to export your map as image, PDF, or scalable vector graphics (SVG).
Or use the appropriate button in the toolbar
Browse to the location you want to save your map, type in the map name, and click Save.

20. Creating a thematic map using a map template
Exporting your finished map
If you exported your map as image, the Image Export Options window will open. Check that the resolution is indeed at least 300 dpi.
Click Save.
You have now successfully created a thematic map.
You can print your map or use it for presentations.