[Qgis-user] Basic Help

[Bernd Vogelgesang]

Hi,

Am 27.10.2017, 19:29 Uhr, schrieb Louise Duffy <louise.d.duffy at gmail.com>:

>
> I don't know if this is the correct format for asking these questions,  
> so please re-direct me as needed.
>
>
> I am used ArcMap for many years to perform pretty basic stuff, but I am  
> not finding QGIS to be as easy of a transition as I had hoped. I am now  
> self->employed, doing some part time consulting for a few clients and I  
> do not have the budget to buy ESRI products, especially when QGIS has  
> such promise.
QGIS is for free, but it will cost you sth neverthelless: Time (while  
ArcMap costs you money AND time)

>
>
> In the past, my normal use of GIS was to pretty focused on being able to  
> connect dots from GPS data, digitize features using aerial photography  
> and other >basemaps. Producing a variety of maps for projects that  
> included exported tables of that data to show coordinates, lengths, area  
> or other characteristics.
I think this is what the majority of QGIS users do as well.
>
>
> I downloaded QGIS version 2.14.19-Essen. I am not familiar with  
> programming languages, scripts or other behind the scenes stuff. When I  
> have looked at >tutorials QGIS has, the screens do not match what I see  
> or the process does not work as expected. I don't know if I am missing  
> something with the install or >just need a friendly guide to point the  
> way.
>
>
QGIS has a very fast development, so resources often can't keep the pace  
and get outdated. But as Patrick mentioned, https://gis.stackexchange.com  
is good resource to find answers and learn, or even ask own questions  
(after proving that you could not find a suitable answer there).

>
> Right now, I specifically need help with four things:
In some parts, QGIS workflows still require the use of plugins.
>
> add basemaps from external sources (aerial, street, usgs quad),
For adding basemaps, install QuickkMapServices (which by default only  
ships a few basmaps, so you can extend it through the plugins settings:  
Settings/More services -> Get contributed pack)

ArcMap folks tend to think that the ESRI-way is the only valid way to do  
things. QGIS does not "pollute" your attribute table with the informations  
you are used to have and now ask for, but you can add them quickly.
>
> calculate/display area of polygons in attribute table;
Open attribute table, open field calculator, create new field "area", pick  
format/field length/precision.
In the search field to the right, enter "area". The search shows you e.g.  
"$area" under "Geometry". Just double-click on $area", it shows up in the  
expression field -> OK
>
> add X,Y coordinates of existing points to attribute table;
Do similar with a new x and y field: search for x, double-click $x (and  
have a look at all the other functions available) etc etc.

Or even easier:
Click Processing in the Menu bar, Activate the Toolbox, Search for "Add":  
Under QGIS geoalgorithms -> Vector table tools, you will find Export/Add  
geometry columns.
This will not change your original dataset, but creates a new temporary  
copy (which you will have to make permanent later by "Save as...)

>
> search for and add points based on X,Y coordinates.
Right-click somewhere in the Menu bar and activate the "Advanced  
digitizing panel"
Make your point layer editable
enable advanced digitizing tools (look at the popup-hints that show when  
hovering the symbols. The x and y fields get active.
Enter your coordinates and lock them (with the lock symbol). You get a  
cross-hair showing the position.
Digitizing toolbar: add feature. Click somewhere in the canvas, the new  
point will be created at the cross-hair position.


>
>
> Thanks!
>
> Louise
>
Learn to search and use: Plugins Repository, Field calculator functions,  
Processing Toolbox functions!
Did I miss sth?

Cheers
Bernd


-- 
Bernd Vogelgesang
Siedlerstraße 2
91083 Baiersdorf/Igelsdorf
Tel: 09133-825374
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