# Raster Simple Guide

This is a simple 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 map images as a PDF or JPEG file.

The aim of this exercise is to produce a map of Southampton at a scale of 1:17 000.

OS VectorMap® District (Raster) 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 (Raster) format go to the [product's overview](/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-vectormap-district/os-vectormap-district-overview.md) and [technical specification](/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-vectormap-district/os-vectormap-district-technical-specification.md) pages.

The topics covered in this guide include:

* [Downloading OS OpenData](/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-vectormap-district/raster-simple-guide/downloading-os-opendata.md)
* [Opening OS OpenData in QGIS](/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-vectormap-district/raster-simple-guide/opening-os-opendata-in-qgis.md)
* [Opening and saving maps in composer](/os-downloads/products/maps-and-imagery-portfolio/os-vectormap-district/vector-simple-guide/opening-and-saving-maps-in-composer.md)


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