Cartography and Map Design in QGIS.

This workshop focuses on elements of good design and effective communication in cartography. We will learn how to use map symbology and the QGIS Print Composer to create maps that are easy to read and understand, as well as engaging to look at.

The workshop is broken into separate modules that cover a couple of different core use cases for GIS made maps:

Module 1 covers Map Figures for academic publication where the constraints of a small print space and limited color and resolution require extra attention in your map design in order for the maps to be useful.

Module 2 takes a typical poster or large print map example and dissects and corrects the most common layout issues that plague new GIS map makers.

Topics:

Establishing a good Visual Hierarchy.

How to use (and not abuse) color in maps.

Methods for simplifying busy or complex data.

QGIS map layout tools.

Adding and modifying map items (N arrows, Scale Bars, Legends).

Adding images.

Adding locators and inset maps.

Note: must be a current Stanford student, staff, or faulty to attend. Please have your Stanford ID ready when entering the library. Please bring a fully charged laptop (and mouse if you have one).