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Setup & Plugins

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📖5 min read
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Introduction​

QGIS is powerful out of the box, but its true potential for visual investigation lies in its plugin ecosystem. Before we start gathering data, we need to equip QGIS with the right tools to find, view, and export geospatial information.

This guide covers the essential plugins you need to install to turn QGIS into a data-gathering powerhouse for Blender.

QuickMapServices

Instant access to Google, Bing, and ESRI satellite imagery basemaps.

QuickOSM

Download specific vector data (buildings, roads, trees) directly from OpenStreetMap.

BlenderGIS

The bridge between QGIS and Blender for easy 3D import.

Managing Plugins​

Plugins in QGIS are managed through a central repository.

  1. Open QGIS.
  2. Go to the top menu: Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins...
  3. The Plugin Manager window will open. It connects to the internet to fetch the latest list of available tools.

1. QuickMapServices (Basemaps)​

This is the most essential plugin. It allows you to add satellite imagery and street maps as a background layer with a single click.

  • Search: In the "All" tab, search for QuickMapServices.
  • Install: Select it and click Install Plugin.
  • Setup: Once installed, go to Web > QuickMapServices > Settings > More Services > Get contributed pack. This unlocks Google, Bing, and Apple maps.

2. QuickOSM (Vector Data)​

While you can download OSM data from websites, this plugin lets you query and download specific features (like "all hospitals in this city") directly into your QGIS project.

  • Search: Search for QuickOSM.
  • Install: Click Install Plugin.
  • Usage: It will appear under the Vector menu or as a magnifying glass icon on your toolbar.

3. BlenderGIS (The Bridge)​

Note: This is primarily a Blender add-on, but understanding its relationship with QGIS is key.

BlenderGIS allows Blender to import Shapefiles and GeoTIFFs while maintaining their georeferencing. While you don't install this inside QGIS, you should ensure your QGIS workflow is set up to export formats that BlenderGIS can read (Shapefile, DXF, or GeoTIFF).

Summary​

With these plugins installed, QGIS transforms from a map viewer into a data extraction tool. You can now pull satellite imagery (QuickMapServices) and vector data (QuickOSM) ready for processing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Use QuickMapServices for background satellite imagery.
  • Use QuickOSM to download specific building and road data.
  • Ensure you have the "Contributed Pack" enabled in QuickMapServices to see Google Maps.

Documentation for Methodology​

What to document when using QGIS Plugins

In Your Method Section​

State which plugins were used to acquire data. This is important for reproducibility, as different plugins might source data from different APIs or timestamps.

In Your Decision Log​

Record the following:

  • Plugin version used (e.g., QuickOSM v2.2.3)
  • Specific settings (e.g., "Used Google Satellite Hybrid via QuickMapServices")
  • Date of data retrieval

Example Methodology Statement​

"Satellite imagery was acquired using the QuickMapServices plugin (v0.19.33) in QGIS, specifically the 'Google Satellite' layer. Vector data for building footprints was queried and downloaded directly from OpenStreetMap using the QuickOSM plugin."

Last updated on by blender-visual-investigation