Overview map in composer

[jctull]

It would be helpful to be able to place the overview map in the composer. Ideally, you could adjust it (move around, change extents, etc., because sometimes the overview map is not exactly right). Currently, to create a locator map, I have to add it as a separate map item, which is not a big problem. Unfortunately, every time a new layer is added to the canvas, this "locked" map goes blank and has to be updated with the appropriate layers selected in the canvas. Going through this process made me think that the overview map is really all I want. Being able to add it to the composer would eliminate the need to create a boundary polygon as well.

[timmie]

See also:

​http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.comp.gis.qgis.user/9573

​http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.comp.gis.qgis.user/9581

[timmie]

It would also be nice to show different layers and symbology in the overview. I often reduce the level of detail in such overview maps.

[jctull]

What might be a more clear solution would be to have an overview map option in the composer that uses those layers that you have selected to be in the overview map on the canvas. You could then change the scale of this overview map in the composer, recenter, etc. Something like a "Place overview map" tool or similar.

Regarding the different layers and symbology, you can choose the layers you want to appear for a particular map. Once you select the lock layers option, that particular map item will not changed based on the layers you have showing or hidden in the canvas. Unfortunately, the problem with map items becoming blank when new layers being added to the canvas is still present.