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QGIS - planet creation

Introduction​

To design the biomes of a planet, we use the QGIS open-source tool.

This tool will help us to define forests, roads, POI, craters...

Schema​

This is the schema of how it works

Prepare QGIS​

Before use QGIS, you need to configure it.

Database source manager: postgis​

requirements

You need an account on the postgis database to draw planet. For this, request an account on the Discord channel Planet tech (you need have the role)

Add the database

  1. go in menu Layer -> Data Source Manager
  2. click on PostgreSQL
  3. click on new button
  4. fill the following fields:
    • Name: DyingStar Postgis
    • Host: postgis.dev.dyingstar-game.space
    • Database: planets
    • in Authentication part, click on + button and fill the fields:
      • Username: it's the login you have requested
      • Password: it's the password you have requested
  5. check the following checkboxes in Database details on the right of window:
    • Also list tables with no geometry
    • Allow saving/loading QGIS projets in the database
    • Allow saving/loading QGIS layer metadata in the database

Display scale bar​

It's easier to see the number of km in the view, so activate a scale bar.

  1. go in menu View -> Decorations -> Scale Bar...
  2. Check the Enable Scale Bar
  3. you can choose diaply options like the position of the scale bar
  4. click on OK button

Load a planet​

Now you can load a planet.

note

The available planets are defined by the rights you have on the postgis database.

Go in menu Project -> Open From -> PostgreSQL...

In schema, select the planet you want to open.

The convention is:

  • for a planet: system_planet number
  • for a moon: systemplanet numbermoon number

Once you have selected the schema, the project will select the same value. In case the project has no value, the reason is that you don't have the rights to open it.

Define a biome​

How edit and save layer​

When you want to edit a layer (add, update or delete a part of layer), right click on the layer and select Toggle Editing. You have an icon in the tool bar on top of QGIS to do the same thing.

Once yous have finished modify the layer, save it. To save it, do the same thing, the toggle Editing will be disabled.

List all objets of layer​

You can have a table of all objects of layer.

To do this, click right on the layer, and click on Open ATtribute Table.

You will have a table with all lines and the properties of each object.

Layers types​

We use 3 types of type of layers.

Point type​

For POI, craters, fumerols... you can place a point on the map. Each type can have properties.

Line type​
danger

Not use Stream Digitizing we it will create very many points and wil take too many space on the game.

Create line, do right click to end the draw. Each type can have properties and will invite you to fill then when end the line.

Polygon type​

danger

Not use Stream Digitizing we it will create very many points and wil take too many space on the game.

Create polygone, do right click to end the draw. Each type can have properties and will invite you to fill then when end the line.

FAQ​

Can we work to multiple users on same planet? same layer?​

Yes, the goal to have PostGIS is to be able to work at many users on the planets.

Do you have tutorial for learning use QGIS?​

Yes you can check the link docs.qgis.org