4. Visualisation of Geodata and Map Making

This chapter focuses on the visualisation and representation of Geodata. The first chapter introduces visual variables, which are the main elements of how to select a symbol to represent geographic information. Visual variables are the graphical means for visually transcribing information. This chapter will also cover how to set up symbols, colours, labels, and styles within QGIS. The second chapter is dedicated to the creation of finished (and printable) maps. In QGIS, this is done in the Print Layout Composer. The last chapter, “Examples of Good Map Design”, showcases good map design explaining the good design choices within their context. This chapter also covers some of the common errors in Map design.

Chapter	Competences & Objectives
Chapter 1: Symbology and Colours	At the end of this chapter, you should: know the different visual variables, know what to consider when visualising certain types of information, know how to load and save styles.
Chapter 2: Styling Vector Data	At the end of this chapter, you should: know how to open the styling panel, know how to configure the symbology and colour for vector data.
Chapter 3: Labels for Vector Data	At the end of this chapter, you should: know how to set up labels for vector data and know what to consider when setting up labels.
Chapter 4: Exporting and Importing Styles	At the end of this chapter, you should: know how to import and export styles in QGIS, know how to share styles with colleagues to facilitate collaborations.
Chapter 5: Symbologiy for Raster Data	At the end of this chapter, you should: know what’s different about styling raster data compared to vector data, know how to set up a colour ramp for raster data.
Chapter 6: The Print Layout	At the end of this chapter, you should: know the basics of good map composition, know which elements are essential for a completed map, know how to create map templates, know how to use the Atlas function.
Chapter 7: Understanding the Print Layout Composer	At the end of this chapter, you should: understand the print layout composer in QGIS, know how to add and configure elements to the print layout, know how to export finished maps, know how to create and use map templates, know how to use the Atlas function.
Chapter 8: Good Map Design & Semiological Errors	At the end of this chapter, you should: know a few examples of good map design and how to recreate them, know which semiological errors to avoid.
Exercises for Module 4	Here you can find all the exercises related to module 4.