A GIS mapping workflow from organising spatial data and unifying projections to producing thematic maps and publication-ready layouts.
Prepare administrative boundaries, sampling points, background rasters, DEM or land use data.
Record each dataset's source, year, coordinate system and resolution for the methods section.
Bring all vector and raster data into the same projected coordinate system to avoid misaligned overlays.
Use a projected coordinate system, not geographic latitude/longitude, for mapping and area/distance calculations.
Carry out clipping, buffering, overlay analysis, slope and aspect, watershed delineation or raster statistics.
For complex terrain and hydrological analysis, use the SAGA or GRASS toolboxes.
Add a legend, scale bar, north arrow, graticule, inset maps and annotations to produce a first draft of the map.
Don't overload the legend; colours should serve the research question.
After exporting SVG/PDF, unify fonts, line widths and panel labels in Inkscape.
Use consistent Chinese and English fonts in the map to avoid missing fonts after submission.
