Posted on December 27, 2022 (Updated on July 21, 2025)

Is there a way of getting map subsections referenced on main map in qgis?

Hiking & Activities

Zooming In: Referencing Map Subsections on Your Main Map in QGIS

Ever wanted to really spotlight a specific area on your QGIS map? Maybe you’re showcasing different districts in a city or highlighting unique geological features. Whatever the reason, QGIS offers some neat tricks to reference those smaller subsections right on your main map. Let’s dive in!

Atlas: Your Multi-Map Powerhouse

First up, the Atlas feature. Think of it as your personal map-making factory. It lets you automatically generate a whole series of maps, each focused on a different area, based on a spatial dataset. I remember using this on a project mapping school districts – it saved me hours!

Here’s the lowdown on using Atlas:

  • Craft Your Index Layer: You’ll need a shapefile that contains only the features you want to highlight. So, if you’re after specific districts, make sure your shapefile only includes those. It’s like creating a “focus group” for your map.
  • Fire Up Print Composer: Open a new print composer – this is where the magic happens. It’s your canvas for designing the overall map layout. Head to the ‘Atlas Generation’ tab and tick “Generate Atlas.”
  • Configure the Engine: Set the “Coverage Layer” to that shapefile you just created. This tells QGIS which features to use for creating individual maps.
  • Atlas in Control: Now, in the ‘Item Properties’ of your main map, check “Controlled by Atlas.” This makes sure the map dynamically updates for each feature in your coverage layer. Play around with the “Margin Around Feature” setting to get the framing just right.
  • Export and Admire: Click Atlas > Export Atlas as PDF, and voila! You’ve got a multi-page map book, each page highlighting a different subsection.

    • Inset Maps: The Classic Zoom-In

    Inset maps are those smaller maps you often see tucked away in a corner, giving you a closer look at a specific area. They’re perfect for adding context or showing a zoomed-in view without cluttering your main map.

    Creating an inset map is surprisingly simple:

  • Add a New Map: In the Print Layout, just add a new map item. This will be your inset map.
  • Frame the Action: Adjust the scale and position of the inset map to show the exact subsection you want to highlight.
  • Overview Magic: Select your main map in the Items panel. Then, in the Item properties, scroll down to “Overviews” and click “Add a new overview”.
  • Link ‘Em Up: In the “Map Frame” dropdown, pick your inset map. This draws a rectangle on the main map, showing the area covered by the inset. Style that rectangle to your heart’s content!

    • Styling: The Secret Sauce

    Want to take things up a notch? Styling is where you can really make your map shine.

    • Highlight the Star: Use rule-based styling to make the current atlas feature pop. Maybe give it a brighter color or a thicker border. This helps it stand out from the rest of the map.
    • Extent Indicators: Show the Coverage: Extent indicators are your friend. Add them to your main map to clearly show the precise area covered by your inset map.
    • Circular Flair: Ditch the boring rectangles! Circular inset maps can add a touch of elegance. Just add an ellipse shape and clip your inset map to it. Trust me, it looks slick.

    So, there you have it! By mixing and matching the Atlas feature, inset maps, and some clever styling, you can create maps that not only present information but also tell a story. Now go forth and make some map magic!

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