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Hi, very very new to the QGIS and mapping world. If you have a solution for me, please provide baby steps! :)

I created a map in QGIS composer with a few shape files and OSM Standard as the base layer for real world reference points. I'm working on a scale of 4000 and have the map filling up most of the page. When I export it to PDF format, the roads have narrowed and their names have shrunk in comparison to what I view in the composer. Unfortunately it makes the names very difficult to read. Before I go reducing the scale and cutting my map in two, is there any way to prevent the base layer "shrinkage"?

Thank you kindly!

Alison

asked 15 Feb '17, 22:39

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AlisonF
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The OSM Standard style (CartoCSS) is designed for on-line viewing. Any printed version suffers from the problems you describe. In addition there are some other issues arising from it's nature as pre-rendered raster tiles:

  • it's available at standard zoom levels. The layer is only likely to be readily readable when the scale you choose is very close to one of these zoom levels
  • the text elements are baked into the raster tile so font styling etc is no longer controllable.

You will need to add additional layers in QGIS to achieve your goal.

Depending on your needs you could do one of the following:

  • Add a number of OSM vector elements (the easiest ways is to use Overpass-Turbo and download geojson either directly or using a plugin within QGGIS) as QGIS layers, and style these in QGIS as an overlay. Often just place names help provide the relevant orientation information, but other features like the main road network may be necessary.
  • Download all the OSM data for your area and build your base map using QGIS Styles.

In practice the former can lead gradually to the latter. There are probably already some decent resources which can help. It's always worth checking if Anita Graser (blog here) references anything.

PS. If I find anything I'll try & add it to this answer.

permanent link

answered 16 Feb '17, 11:53

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SK53 ♦
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accept rate: 22%

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question asked: 15 Feb '17, 22:39

question was seen: 9,089 times

last updated: 16 Feb '17, 11:53

NOTICE: help.openstreetmap.org is no longer in use from 1st March 2024. Please use the OpenStreetMap Community Forum