Vector Simple Guide

This is a simple user guide for those with no previous knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS).

This guide will introduce users to downloading OS OpenData™, creating simple maps with Quantum GIS (QGIS), and exporting the map as a PDF or JPEG file.

The aim of this exercise is to produce a map of Southampton at a scale of 1:20 000.

OS VectorMap® District (Vector) format is updated twice a year and is appropriate for maps of scale 1:15 000-1:30 000. If a greater level of detail is required we recommend OS VectorMap Local.

For more information on OS VectorMap District go to:

www.os.uk/business-and-government/products/vectormap-district.html

The topics covered in this guide include:

• Downloading OS OpenData

• Opening OS OpenData in QGIS

• Styling vector data

• Opening and saving maps in Composer