Install

QGIS Installation

To install QRiS, you'll first need to set up QGIS, a free and open-source Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. QRiS functions as a QGIS Plugin, meaning it relies on QGIS to run.

note

There are lots of resources on QGIS if you are new to GIS or QGIS. We have some Knowledge Base articles and tutorials available here to help you get started.

QGIS is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. When choosing a QGIS version, you'll see two main types: Experimental (latest) Releases and Long Term Releases (LTR). LTR versions are generally more stable, while Experimental Releases offer the latest features.

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QRiS is designed to work with the latest QGIS LTR, so be sure to install that version (found here). If a specific QGIS version is required for a particular QRiS release, this information will be provided in the release notes or as a pop-up within the QGIS Plugin Manager.

How to Install QRiS

QRiS can be installed from the QGIS Plugin Manager. However, you must have the latest version of Riverscapes Viewer installed before installing QRiS. To install QRiS, follow these steps:

1. First, verify installation or install the Riverscapes Viewer Plugin:

   • In the QGIS menubar (top of page), go to Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins.

   • Search for Riverscapes Viewer and click the Install button (should take less than 30 seconds). This is a required dependency for QRiS.

2. Then, install QRiS:

   • Go to the same Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins and search for QRiS.

   • Click the Install button (should take less than 30 seconds).

Updating QRiS

You can update QRiS at any time after installation through the QGIS Plugin Manager. Here's how:

1. Go to Plugins > Manage and Install Plugins.

2. Select QRiS from the list of installed plugins.

3. Click the Update button.

For automatic updates, you can configure the Plugin Manager settings to Check for Updates on Startup. When enabled:

• QGIS will notify you periodically (every 3 days) upon startup if any installed plugin, including QRiS, has an available update.

• To apply the update, simply click the Update button that appears on the blue taskbar in the map panel.

tip

Tip: To ensure you always have the latest features and improvements, regularly check for updates to QRiS and its dependencies. At the same time you update QRiS, it is a good idea to also update resources in the Riverscapes Viewer. This is where updates to symblogogy and updates to the Protocol Library.