Getting Started with QGIS: Your First Map

Last updated on 2026-04-22 | Edit this page

Estimated time: 105 minutes

Overview

Questions

  • How do I load spatial data into QGIS?
  • How can I style and visualize data on a map?
  • How do I export a finished map?

Objectives

  • Load and explore spatial datasets
  • Create and style a simple map
  • Export a publication-ready map

Loading Your First Dataset

We will start with a simple dataset (e.g., shapefile or GeoJSON). You can find a sample dataset here

For our example, we will use airport.shp in the shapefiles folder in the link. Along with the .shp file make sure to download its supporting files to load in the .shp correctly. They are:

  • airports.cpg
  • airports.dbf
  • airports.prj
  • airports.shx

If you lead help with the interface of QGIS refer to the setup guide here.

Step 0: Add Base Map

  1. In the Browser Panel click on XYZ Tiles.
  2. You should see 2 options: Global Terrain and Open Street Map.
  3. Right click on Open Street Map and Add Layer to Project.
  4. You should now see a world map on you Map Panel.

Step 1: Add a Vector Layer

  1. Go to: Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer. Since we are working with point data here.
  2. Browse to your dataset
  3. Click Add or double click on the file.
  4. (If Applicable), drag the airports layer above the Open Street Map Layer since you want the points on top of the world map.

Step 2: View the Data

  • Your data will appear on the map
  • The layer will show in the Layers Panel

Step 3: Explore Attributes

  1. Right-click the layer
  2. Click Open Attribute Table
  3. You should see 76 entries for number of airports in Alaska.

This table contains the data behind your map.

Note: Make sure to save the project at regular intervals to save your progress!

Styling Your First Map

Step 1: Open Layer Properties

  • Right-click the layer → Properties
  • Go to the Symbology tab

Step 2: Choose a Style

You can change marker size, symbols, transparency etc. Make your map visually good such that it is clear to viewer!
You can change marker size, symbols, transparency etc. Make your map visually good such that it is clear to viewer!
  • Set the Magnifier at the bottom of the Map Panel to 75%.
  • To change layer name right click on the Layer → Properties → Source → Change Layer Name and apply. This is important as later this reflects the naming of the Legend when exporting the map.

Common styling options:

  • Single Symbol → same style for all features
  • Categorized → different colors for categories
  • Graduated → color ramp for numeric data

Step 3: Apply Colors (Applicable if working with a lot more data like elevation, climate data)

  • Try downloading the elevp file in csv folder
  • Choose a color ramp
  • Adjust classes (for graduated maps)
  • Click Apply

Creating a Map Layout

To export your map, use the Print Layout.

Step 1: Open Layout

  • Go to: Project → New Print Layout
  • Give it a name

Step 2: Add Map

  • Click Add Item then Add Map
  • Draw a rectangle on the page

Step 3: Add Map Elements

Add all the necessary map items as mentioned in the previous module. Your map needs to convey information as clearly as possible.
Add all the necessary map items as mentioned in the previous module. Your map needs to convey information as clearly as possible.

Include: - Title, Add Item → Add Label → Draw Rectangle on top of map - Legend - Scale Bar - North Arrow - Add Metadata (who created the map?). Do this at the bottom of the map

Exporting Your Map

Step 1: Export

  • In layout window:
    • Export as Image
    • Export as PDF
  • You can leave the default options and click ok.

Step 2: Save Your Project

  • Always save your QGIS project file (.qgz)
This is the map we came up with for representing Airports in Alaska.
This is the map we came up with for representing Airports in Alaska.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Forgetting to save the project
  • Using raw counts instead of normalized data
  • Overcomplicating symbology
  • Ignoring legends and labels/naming
Callout

Keep It Simple

Start with a clear, simple map before adding complexity.

Hands-On Exercise

Task:

Create a choropleth map showing a variable of your choice.

Steps:

  1. Load a dataset
  2. Open Symbology → Graduated
  3. Choose a numeric field
  4. Apply a color ramp
  5. Export the map

Final Takeaways

  • QGIS is a powerful, free tool for spatial analysis
  • Good maps start with clean data and simple design
  • Symbology and layout are key to communication
Discussion
  • What challenges did you face while creating your first map?
  • How would you improve your map for a different audience?