on January 3, 2023

In QGIS, is it possible to save or export a vector layer that has SVG markers as it’s points?

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QGIS and SVG Markers: Getting Your Pretty Points to Play Nice When Exporting

QGIS is fantastic. Seriously, for whipping up maps and digging into spatial data, it’s tough to beat. One of the coolest things is styling your vector layers with SVG markers – you can get some seriously slick-looking maps that way. But here’s the rub: getting those fancy SVG markers to stay fancy when you export your data? That can be a bit of a headache. Let’s dive into how to make it work, and what to watch out for.

The problem boils down to this: QGIS kind of “draws” those SVG markers on the fly, on your screen. It’s like a live performance. When you export, you’re trying to capture that performance, but some formats just aren’t equipped to record all the nuances. The software has to translate the SVG into something more universal, and that’s where things can get lost in translation.

So, what are your options when you hit “export”? Let’s break it down:

  • Shapefile (.shp): Ah, the old reliable shapefile. Everyone knows it, everyone uses it… but it’s also kind of like that ancient family car that barely runs. It’s compatible, sure, but it’s terrible with fancy styling. Expect your SVGs to get flattened, simplified, or just plain butchered. Think of it as going from a detailed vector illustration to a blurry thumbnail. You’ll keep your data, but your map’s visual flair? Gone.

  • GeoPackage (.gpkg): Think of GeoPackage as shapefile’s cooler, more modern cousin. It handles complex stuff a bit better, including (sort of) SVGs. It can store them, but whether another program reading that GeoPackage will actually render them correctly is a total crapshoot. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s like packing your favorite outfit for a trip, only to find out the hotel’s dry cleaner doesn’t handle silk.

  • PDF: Now we’re talking. Exporting to PDF is usually your best bet for keeping those SVGs looking sharp. QGIS generally embeds them as vector graphics, so they stay crisp and clean in the final PDF. The downside? PDFs are really for looking at, not for doing more GIS analysis. You’re creating a pretty picture, not a working dataset.

  • SVG: Yes, you can export to SVG! But there’s a catch. This exports the entire map, not just the layer with your special points. It’s like taking a screenshot of your map. Great for a static image, useless for further analysis.

  • GeoJSON, KML, etc.: These are mostly about the data, not the looks. They’ll handle your coordinates and attributes, but your SVGs are going to get seriously dumbed down, if they even survive at all.

Okay, so how do we actually win here? How do we keep our maps looking good? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years:

  • Keep it Simple, Silly (KISS): The more complex your SVG, the more likely it is to break during export. Think clean lines, simple shapes. A minimalist approach will save you headaches.

  • “Bake” Your SVGs: This is a bit more advanced, but it’s powerful. You can actually convert those SVG markers into real geometric shapes within your data. It’s like turning a stencil into a permanent tattoo. QGIS processing tools or a little Python scripting can do the trick. Warning: this can make your file size explode!

  • Rule the Styling: Instead of slapping the same SVG on everything, use rule-based styling. This lets you assign different symbols based on your data’s attributes. It’s more flexible and often translates better to other formats.

  • PDF is Your Friend (Usually): When you export to PDF, make sure that “Create PDF as vectors” option is checked. This is non-negotiable if you want to keep your SVGs sharp.

  • Rasterize as a Last Resort: If all you care about is the look of the map, and you don’t need to do any further GIS work with it, export to a raster format like PNG or TIFF. This basically takes a picture of your map, so what you see is what you get. But you lose all the underlying data.

    • A Few Pro Tips

    • Always, always test your exports. Don’t just assume it worked. Open the exported file in another program and make sure your SVGs look right.
    • Document everything! If you know there are limitations with how your SVGs are rendering, make a note of it. Save future you (or your colleagues) a lot of frustration.
    • Think about your audience. What software are they using? What format will work best for them?

    The Bottom Line

    Exporting vector layers with SVG markers in QGIS can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable. It’s all about understanding the limitations of each export format and using the right strategies to get the best results. With a little experimentation and these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be creating beautiful, data-rich maps in no time. Happy mapping!

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