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5. OSM Import

Before you can process source layers in Layer Data Processing, you need geographic data such as roads, rivers, forests, and built-up areas. Flashpoint Map Maker uses the QuickOSM plugin to download this data from OpenStreetMap, with supplied presets that pull the right features for game map building.

Prerequisites

Install the QuickOSM plugin from the QGIS Plugin Manager if you do not already have it:

  1. Open Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins.
  2. Search for QuickOSM.
  3. Click Install.

QuickOSM handles the Overpass API queries and brings the results into QGIS as layers.

Supplied presets

Flashpoint Map Maker ships with three QuickOSM presets, each targeting a major data category needed for game maps:

Preset What it downloads Examples
Land Landcover and land-use polygons Forests, fields, wetlands, vineyards, orchards, industrial areas, residential zones
Water Water features (polygons and lines) Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, canals, ditches
Roads Road and rail networks (lines) Highways, primary/secondary/residential roads, railways, airstrips

Each preset is tuned to pull the OSM tags that the Layer Data Processing step expects. Using these presets ensures your downloaded data lines up with the automation in Step 6.

Downloading data

Run each preset once for your map area:

  1. Open Vector > QuickOSM > QuickOSM or use the QuickOSM toolbar button.
  2. Go to the Presets tab.
  3. Select the Land preset.
  4. Set the extent to your AOI layer or draw a bounding box that covers your map area. Add some buffer beyond the edges; features that cross the AOI boundary need room to look natural.
  5. Click Run query. The data loads into your project as temporary layers.
  6. Repeat for the Water and Roads presets.

Organizing the results

After downloading, move the layers into the OSM layer group that Flashpoint Map Maker created during Setup:

  1. In the QGIS Layers panel, drag the QuickOSM result layers into the OSM group.
  2. Rename them to something clear, such as landcover, water, and roads, so they are easy to identify later.
  3. Save the layers to your project's Layers/OSM/ directory if you want them persisted as files rather than temporary layers. Right-click the layer and use Export > Save Features As.
OSM (layer group)
  landcover
  water
  roads

These layer names will appear in the Layer Data Processing source-layer dropdowns in the next step.

Tips

  • Buffer your extent. Extend the QuickOSM query area at least 1-2 km beyond your AOI edges so roads and rivers do not get clipped too tightly.
  • Run one preset at a time. Large areas with all three datasets can be heavy.
  • Save to disk early. QuickOSM results start as temporary layers.
  • Re-download is safe. If you change your AOI, run the preset again and overwrite the saved files.

Next: Layer Data Processing