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Advanced labels and symbology

Outcome: build a map that changes intelligently with scale and attribute meaning rather than relying on one symbol for every feature.

Rule-based symbology​

Use Layer Properties → Symbology → Rule-based when categories overlap or require conditions.

For a research layer, rules might be:

"location_status" = 'supported'
"location_status" = 'approximate'
"location_status" = 'unresolved'

Use progressively less precise visual language for less precise evidence.

Scale-dependent rendering​

A national/regional map should not show every local site label. Set feature and label scale ranges so detail appears as the user zooms in.

A useful pattern:

  • regional: awa, maunga, major places
  • local: marae, smaller ingoa wāhi, restoration sites
  • site: assets/observations

Label priority and obstacles​

Use label priority and obstacle settings to keep the most important names readable. Do not solve conflicts by shrinking every label.

Multiple label rules​

Use rule-based labelling where one layer needs different treatment. Example:

  • supported names: normal label
  • historical source wording: italic or smaller secondary label
  • approximate candidate: label with uncertainty cue

Keep the underlying data structure explicit so the styling can be reproduced.

Blend imagery carefully​

On aerial imagery, use buffers/masks and restrained colours. If parcel boundaries are only context, reduce their visual weight. If the kaupapa is awa restoration, keep the awa visible rather than allowing cadastral lines to dominate.

Exercise​

Take the historical-place layer or synthetic observations and create three rule-based symbol classes plus two label scales. Export screenshots at regional and local scale and check that the intended hierarchy changes appropriately.

Check​

  • legend names explain meaning rather than file names
  • uncertainty is visible
  • important ingoa wāhi survive at useful scales
  • colour is not the only way to distinguish critical categories
  • map remains interpretable in greyscale where appropriate

Next: Relations and repeat observations.

Official reference: QGIS vector styling.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

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