Aligning Raster And Vector Layers For Accurate Map Printing With Qgis

Locating the Source of Misalignment

Identifying poorly georeferenced data

When bringing raster and vector datasets into QGIS for mapping, users may notice alignment issues even when both layers are projected into the same coordinate reference system (CRS). This misalignment is often due to inaccurate or missing georeferencing information in the source data.

Georeferencing defines the spatial location and positioning of a raster by associating cell values with map coordinates. Rasters lacking proper georeferencing may not line up as expected when overlaid on other geographic data. Within QGIS, warning signs of poor georeferencing include:

• Raster layers not matching vector layers that should align based on geographic features
• Raster imagery appearing rotated, skewed, or offset relative to basemap data
• Raster layers showing coordinate values far from the actual study area

By determining that misalignment issues originate from low-quality georeferencing rather than CRS mismatches, users can apply the appropriate tools to transform and align problematic rasters.

Checking for coordinate system mismatches

A common assumption is that projection errors cause misalignment between layers. However, QGIS automatically transforms dataset coordinate values on-the-fly when adding layers with differing CRSs. More often, alignment issues arise when data lacks proper georeferencing rather than projecting into an incorrect CRS.

Still, users should verify that all layers added to a QGIS project share one common CRS. The bottom-right corner of the QGIS interface displays the CRS for the current map view. Click this indicator to open the Project Properties dialog and inspect settings.

Examine the CRS selected under the General tab, which defines the reference system for newly added layers if on-the-fly CRS transformation is enabled. Then inspect each loaded layer under the Coordinate Reference Systems section to check for mismatches.

Occasionally, layers will lose their defined CRS and default to a generic WGS 84 coordinate system. Right-click on a layer and choose Set CRS for Layer to assign the correct projection if needed to match other data frames.

Fixing Rotation and Scale Differences

Using the Georeferencer tool

The GeoreferencerGDAL tool transforms raster spatial information by linking points on the layer to known coordinate locations. This allows properly georeferencing imagery and correcting issues like rotation or uneven scale by warping the raster to match geographic reality.

To georeference a raster, click Raster > Georeferencer and select the problematic layer. Use the Add Point tool to click at least four points along features with reliable coordinates from underlying vector layers. After adding each point, enter the precise map coordinates in the X and Y value fields.

Finally, click the Start Georeferencing button to update the raster based on the coordinate points provided. Confirm that the raster now aligns correctly with other layers before saving the changes.

Configuring transformation settings

Beyond basic coordinate point assignment, the Georeferencer includes transformation settings to fine-tune georeferencing corrections. Expand the Settings section to reveal additional options:

• Transformation type – The algorithm used to warp and resample pixel values when applying corrections.
• Resampling method – Approach to recalculating pixel information in the transformed output raster.
• Compression – Lossless compression settings for georeferenced raster format.

Experiment with these settings panels to optimize alignment fixes without degrading image quality due to overwarping. Common choices include the Thin Plate Spline transformation with Cubic resampling and DEFLATE compression.

Correcting X/Y Offset Problems

Aligning points between layers with the Align tool

For raster layers with correct internal geometry but fixed offsets in global X/Y position, the Align tool provides an automated shifting solution. After loading the raster and reference layers:

1. Open Processing Toolbox > GDAL > [GDAL] Align
2. Select raster layer as the Input layer
3. Choose the reference layer under Reference layer
   • Use a vector or existing georeferenced raster
4. Run the algorithm to calculate the optimal alignment offset

This performs a point matching optimization to best correlate the input raster with the geographic patterns in the reference layer, then renders the shifted output.

Shifting layers using the Offset tool

The Align tool requires a reference layer with accurate geolocation to align other raster layers against. In absence of an established reference, provide numeric offset values manually. From Processing Toolbox > GDAL > [GDAL] Translate, select offset options:

• Offset (X, Y) – Pixel shifts along each axis
• Offset Origin – Axis for shift measurements
  • Center of Upper Left Pixel
  • Center of Lower Left Pixel

Iteratively adjust offset values and recheck alignment until the layer matches adjacent geodata within an acceptable margin of error.

Reviewing Results Visually

Overlaying aligned layers

Toggle the visibility of aligned layers on and off to visually inspect alignment fixes. Any residual offsets or improper positioning become readily apparent against vector layers like road networks, water bodies, political boundaries, and other geographically-accurate basemap data.

Alternatively, duplicate vector layers and offset slightly to amplify alignment discrepancies. The Identify tool can pinpoint mismatches by interactively querying absolute coordinates.

Inspecting overlaps at known points

Seed points at landmarks offer precise alignment checkpoints. Create markers at town halls, road intersections, building footprints, or control survey points from reference datasets. Overlay the corrected raster to validate proper overlapping – misalignments manifest as labeling or marker shifts relative to rooflines, edges, or other photo-identifiable features.

Verifying alignment along features

Edge traces evaluate overall geolocation accuracy when other layers lack point controls or specific coordinates. Digitize polylines representing streams, trails, breaklines, infrastructure, and other elongate corridors within the georectified raster. Dangle nodes can pinpoint residual offsets from imperfect image-to-ground transformation.

For larger adjustment areas, reshape reference polylines directly against raster edges until they match perfectly, then save revised vectors as improved georeferencing anchors.

Exporting and Saving Properly Aligned Data

Saving raster data with new georeferencing

To persist applied alignment fixes beyond the current QGIS project, export georeferenced rasters to new files. Right-click on the layer and select Export > Save As to assign an output filename and location.

Raster transforms and offsets only modify display rendering rather than permanently editing image values. Ensure the Generate new georeferencing box is checked under Transformations before confirming the dialog to write geolocation metadata defining alignment corrections.

Maintaining alignment in exports

Print layouts and atlas generation rely on layers maintaining consistent positioning across projects. Export aligned layers together into transportable QGS project packages:

1. Project > Package Layers
2. Select transformed rasters and the underlying reference data
3. Save as a Unified GeoPackage or GeoPackage Collection for reuse

Shared layer packages propagate updated georeferencing to any document importing the bundled project data.

Troubleshooting Persistent Alignment Issues

Double checking coordinate systems

Failing to identify false coordinate system projections can produce repeated alignment failures even after applying corrections. Reconfirm that all layers share an identical CRS:

1. Check Project Properties for the enabled map view reference system
2. Right-click each layer and inspect their individual Coordinate Reference System
3. Standardize all data to WGS 84 or another global system as needed

Trying different transformation methods

Georeferencer solutions depend heavily on transformation and resampling algorithms. Certain distortion patterns fare better with adjustable parameters like Thin Plate Spline or Polynomial Order settings. Cycle through available options while monitoring visual layer alignments.

For best accuracy, collect 20+ ground control points spanning evenly across the problem raster for robust transformation calibration.

Manually aligning stubborn layers

In some situations where automatic methods fail to produce satisfactory alignments, manual GCP collection directly over specific edited vectors or high-resolution reference imagery can override prior geolocation metadata constraints.

Focus efforts on high-confidence point and edge matching before iteratively nudging the resistant layer into place through trial-and-error visually guided tweaks.