GAURAV SINGH PARMAR

CE21607

GIS Lab Experiment Number 2

AIM: Georeferencing of Toposheets by adding raster layer

SOFTWARE: QGIS (Version 3.16)

DATA REQUIRED: Map of Dehradun (Sheet No. H44G03) in .jpg format

THEORY:

Georeferencing

At times we need to embed a map into our project for reference analysis. This is where, geo-
referencing becomes significant. Georeferencing is the process of assigning real-world
coordinates to each pixel of the raster. Many times, these coordinates are obtained by doing
field surveys - collecting coordinates with a GPS device for few easily identifiable features in
the image or map. In some cases, where we are looking to digitize scanned maps, we can obtain
the coordinates from the markings on the map image itself. Using these sample coordinates or
GCPs (Ground Control Points), the image is warped and made to fit within the chosen
coordinate system.

Projections and GCP’s

To begin a georeferencing for an area, we must load a raster layer using the raster icon available
in the menu bar. After loading the raster, the reference points must be assigned using the
coordinates available from the toposheet. A descriptive procedure to execute such projections
is reported in the procedure section.

PROCEDURE:

Stage 1: Downloading Toposheets and converting into suitable format

Step 1: Download toposheets from the Survey of India (SoI) website. Enter the locality for
which geo-referencing has to done. Note down the sheet number for further use.
Step 2: The maps get downloaded is in pdf format. For georeferencing the maps must be the
maps in pdf format must be converted into .jpg format to work with it in QGIS software. The
conversion can be done using any online .pdf to .jpg converter.

Stage 2: Georeferencing using Q-GIS 3.16

Step 1: Georeferencing in QGIS is done via the ‘Georeferencer GDAL’ plugin. This is a core
plugin thus pre-installed during QGIS installation. The plugin is installed in the Raster menu.
Click on Raster ‣ Georeferencer to open the plugin.

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Step 2: Go to File ‣ Open Raster. Browse to the converted .jpg file and Open.

Step 3: Go to Raster ‣ Georeferncer ‣ Open Raster to open the file

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Step 4: The loaded image becomes visible on the top section. Using the zoom/pan controls in the
toolbar the reference points are spotted.

Step 5: Click on Add Point in the toolbar. In the pop-up window, enter the Northing and Eastings
(which can be obtained from Montana State University’s Geographical unit converter). Note
Zone. Click OK.

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Step 6: After selecting all the reference points using available coordinate details the GCP Table
its details. Ensure that all points are entered.

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Step 7: After reviewing GCP table and selected points, open Transformation settings. In the
Transformation settings dialog, choose the Transformation type as Thin Plate Spline. Choose
EPSG: 32644 (Zone 44 N refer step 5) as the target SRS. Click Load in QGIS checkbox and
save the GCP points. Click OK.

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Step 8: Step back to the Georeferencer window, go to File ‣ Start georeferencing which begins
the process of warping the image using the GCPs and creating the target raster. Post-
processing, georeferenced layer gets loaded.

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Step 9: Once the modified (geo-referenced) raster gets generated, change the display
coordinate to degree, minutes, and seconds.

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RESULT:
After executing the geo-referencing, data related to Distance or Area can be analyzed using the
modified raster as displayed below:
• Distance (Nakraunda - Natthuwala Branch - Gujronwali - Miyanwala Tarla - Nakraunda,
Dehradun): 11702.611 meters
• Area (Nakraunda - Natthuwala Branch - Gujronwali - Miyanwala Tarla - Nakraunda,
India): 5645208.997 square meters