Installing QuickMaps plugin on QGIS

= DRAFT 20240109.02 - incomplete until this notice is removed =

Introduction

The Quick Maps plugin is the fastest way to get background mapping into QGIS to aid with visualising georeferenced datasets such as LiDAR or other survey data.

This guide is a simple step-by-step guide to installing Quick Maps into QGIS. It assumes no prior knowledge of QGIS.

Step 1 - Install QGIS

Download QGIS from https://qgis.org/ - Choose the best version for your computer operating system. Stick with the basic option, i.e. the big green ‘Download’ button. There’s plenty of time later to get creative.

You may also wish to download some LiDAR data from https://environment.data.gov.uk/survey - this will be presented in .ZIP files, which you should unzip before using with QGIS.

User Guide

There is a user guide. The latest version can be viewed or downloaded from https://qgis.org/en/docs/index.html It is also often useful to either Google ‘QGIS’ plus what you need to know, or if you prefer to watch a video, do the same in YouTube. There are a lot of QGIS tutorials available, although many are lectures or very specific to the more esoteric functions you won’t need here. Suffice to say that QGIS is a very comprehensive GIS tool.

Step 2 - Install Quick Maps

Quick Maps is installed in QGIS as a plugin. The process is very easy:

  • Open QGIS

  • Click on Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins

  • Type quickmap in the search bar and select the QuickMapService option.

  • As you’re there, also grab Open LiDAR Toolbox, this may come in useful later.

Close the Plugins Manager

Step 3 - Display LiDAR data

At the most basic level, simply drag and drop the .TIF file desired from your list of unzipped LiDAR files onto the map in QGIS. It will automatically display in the right place on the map.