Western Isles - an experiment with QGIS

[ChickPea]

Thought I may as well post this since it's quiet around here...

I've recently been getting into QGIS. We had a mapping project at work a few months back. Google Maps wasn't cutting it and I had a feeling that QGIS might work (I was familiar with the software from hanging around here, but I'd never really used it). So after a crash course I figured out the work thing, but it left me interested in what I could do with QGIS and I've been dabbling off and on since then.

I put together this map over the last few days. It's not a fantasy map but it's done in a sorta fantasy style, so figured I may as well share it. It's similar to something I might make in a challenge with the text at the side. I started it in QGIS gathering OpenStreetMap data, then exported everything to SVG and did the rest in Inkscape. The yellow boat thing in the title area is the Western Isles official flag (apparently) and not my work, but I tried to make the map colours work around it. It made it a little more challenging (not really a big fan of yellow), but I suppose it's a good learning tool too, as you can't always have full control over what you want to do.

Anyway, it was a fun learning project to see what I could do in QGIS and how far I could push Inkscape before it melted...!

[Redrobes]

Thats very cool. I like it and we could do with more non fictional / fantasy maps here. Never been to the Hebrides as its a bit out of reach but I bet its real nice in a rugged sort of way.

[Voolf]

That is really neat map ChickPea.
I actually downloaded QGIS few days ago and want to give it a go to.

[KaiAeon]

I really cool map. I will check out QGIS too.

[Ifrix]

Really like this, QGIS is a nice little tool and this map came out nicely.
I need to visit the hebrides again at some point, it's a beautiful place

[ChickPea]

Thanks for the comments everyone! I've just noticed a typo in the map text ("streches") and now I'm cringing!

Thats very cool. I like it and we could do with more non fictional / fantasy maps here. Never been to the Hebrides as its a bit out of reach but I bet its real nice in a rugged sort of way.

I will definitely be making more 'real world' maps via QGIS. It's fun to work with real places and data, and put a fantasy twist on them.

That is really neat map ChickPea.
I actually downloaded QGIS few days ago and want to give it a go to.

Excellent! I'm excited to see what you do with it.

I really cool map. I will check out QGIS too.

Thanks, glad you like it. There's lots of good tutorial vids on Youtube about QGIS to help you get started.

Really like this, QGIS is a nice little tool and this map came out nicely.
I need to visit the hebrides again at some point, it's a beautiful place

Thanks! I visited a while back and we got super lucky with the weather. All those magnificent beaches are amazing on a sunny day!

[- JO -]

Nice map ! Now I too want to try QGIS ! You did a great job with the colors !

[ThomasR]

You really nailed the old book page look. Obviously, monks had an access to satellite imagery but, as we say in French, "Les voies du Seigneur sont impénatrables". Good job Ruby

[ChickPea]

Nice map ! Now I too want to try QGIS ! You did a great job with the colors !

Thanks Jo! QGIS is an interesting tool. It offers some possibilities for mapping that weren't so easy before.

You really nailed the old book page look. Obviously, monks had an access to satellite imagery but, as we say in French, "Les voies du Seigneur sont impénatrables". Good job Ruby

Haha, the monks were very clever back in the day. Probably all the wine inspired them...!
Thank you!

[Ilanthar]

Looks great! You suddenly reanimate my interest for QGIS. I did downloaded (and, not sure, but probably installed) the thing and never used it.