Quantum GIS

Quantum GIS (QGIS) is a user friendly Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS) that runs on Linux, Unix, Mac OSX, and Windows. QGIS supports vector, raster, and database formats. QGIS is licensed under the GNU General Public License. QGIS lets you browse and create map data on your computer. It supports many common spatial data formats (e.g. ESRI ShapeFile, geotiff). QGIS supports plugins to do things like display tracks from your GPS. QGIS is Open Source software and its free of cost (download here). We welcome contributions from our user community in the form of code contributions, bug fixes, bug reports, contributed documentation, advocacy and supporting other users on our mailing lists and forums. Financial contributions are also welcome.

Newsflash

Quantum GIS Version 0.11.0 has been released. It is available in source form, and as binary executables for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and GNU/Linux. All versions can be obtained from our download page. If the version for your platform is not available please check back in a day or two as some packages are still being built.

How to add a new symbol for point feature

This mini-HowTo desribes how to create and use new symbol for point features How to add a new symbol for point feature

How to add a new symbol for point features

by Ľuboš Balážovič

For point features you can use various symbols. It can be choosen from vector layer properties dialog (Symbology tab). If you don't find the symbol which satisfy your imagination, feel free to create your own. All you need is an editor of SVG format (QGIS currently support only symbols in SVG format). To create your own symbol simly follow these five steps:

Start your favourite SVG editor (there are many applications which works with SVG format – in Linux you can use Karbon, or Inkscape – available also for Windows).
Open any symbol from $QGIS_dir/share/qgis/svg/ or start New (it's safer to open existing QGIS symbol and modify it rather than create new from scratch)
Use editor tools to create your new symbol
Save your new symbol into any subdirectory of $QGIS_dir/share/qgis/svg/ or create a new subdirectory (replace string $QGIS_dir with directory where your QGIS is installed).
Next when you start QGIS, you will find your new symbol among another point symbols

Tip: Remember people who will read your map and try to create your symbol easy to undestand and as inuitive as possible.

If you would like to share your work with another QGIS users, just submit the link to your symbols at QGIS home page (registration required) or contact QGIS developers. Your contribution is welcome!