Introduction ¶

A straightforward approach enables creation of reference grids for maps, shown through step-by-step configuration.

Step 1: Create Grid Lines ¶

Generate one grid displaying lines with specific interval measurements in centimeters. The CRS setting remains without effect on this layer.

Step 2: Add Grid Labels ¶

Establish a second grid to display labels centered within visible grid cells. The CRS setting similarly has no impact. Set the offset to half the interval value while disabling line drawing.

Step 3: Label Expression ¶

Apply this label expression via the epsilon button next to the custom format field:

CASE
WHEN @grid_axis = 'y'
THEN substr('ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST', (@grid_number + 2.5) / 5 , 1)
WHEN @grid_axis = 'x'
THEN (@grid_number + 2.5) / 5
END

Replace the 5’s with your interval value and 2.5’s with your offset value.

Map Dimensions ¶

Ensure map dimensions are multiples of the grid size (e.g., 5cm) for full-size cells across the entire map.

Additional Notes ¶

Other graticules or effects remain compatible with this method. Compatible from version 2.14 forward; example uses 2.18.

Advanced Resources ¶

References and custom functions available at linked GitHub repository.