Adding Multiple Grids/Graticles Labels on a Map in QGIS

 Most likely you have come accross a map (similar to the two below) that has more that one Grids/Graticles labelled lines and you are wondering what they are and why they have to include multiple Grids/Graticles labels.

The first map has Grids (UTM) labels inside the frame and Graticles (WGS 84) labels outside the frame. While the second map has Grids (UTM) labels on top and right-hand sides of the frame, and Graticles (WGS 84) labels on the bottom and left-hand side of the frame.

Before we learn how to add multiple Grids/Graticles to a map in QGIS, let understand the difference between Grids/Graticles and why it is necessary to sometime have multiple Grids/Graticles labels on a map.

The fundamental difference between a grid and a graticule is the shape of the surface they represent: a graticule maps a curved, 3D spherical surface (the Earth), while a grid maps a flat, 2D projected surface (a piece of paper or computer screen).

Summary Comparison Table

Maps display two or more different grids (a projected grid and a geographic graticule) simultaneously to serve different navigation, measurement, and reference needs on a single sheet.

1. Cross-Agency and Multi-User Compatibility

Different organizations, military branches, and emergency services use different reference systems.

a)    Search and Rescue: Ground teams might use local UTM meters for precise land navigation, while helicopter pilots require WGS84 Latitude/Longitude degrees for aviation GPS.

b)    Civilian vs. Military: Civilian map users generally rely on standard national grids, while international or defense groups require the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS).

 

2. Balancing Local Distance with Global Position

No single coordinate system does everything perfectly on a flat piece of paper.

a)    The Projected Grid (UTM/State Plane): Uses a flat XY grid measured in meters or feet. It allows users to quickly calculate real-world distances, areas, and angles using simple math.

b)    The Geographic Graticule (Lat/Long): Uses a curved grid measured in degrees. It tells the user exactly where they are on the global sphere, making it easy to cross-reference with international maps or global tracking systems.

 

3. Historical Data and Map Archiving

When updating older maps or combining historical surveys with modern data, dual grids preserve accuracy.

a)    Legacy Systems: Older physical maps often retain their original historical grid system (like the UK OSGB36) on the boundary.

b)    Modern Overlays: Cartographers print a modern global grid (WGS84) over the old map so modern GPS coordinates can still be used accurately.

 

4. Transition Zones and Border Mapping

When a mapped region sits right on the edge of a coordinate boundary, a secondary grid maintains continuity.

a)    UTM Zone Boundaries: If a park sits on the border of UTM Zone 15 and UTM Zone 16, using one zone distorts the other half. Adding both grids lets users work seamlessly across the border.

How to add a Grid and Graticles to a map in QGIS

To add two separate grids to a map in QGIS, open your Print Layout, select your map item, and navigate to the Item Properties panel. Scroll down to the Grids section, click the green plus (+) button twice to create two individual grid entries, and configure each one with its own distinct styling, interval, or coordinate system (CRS).

 

Setting Up the First Grid

a)    Select your map item in the layout canvas.

b)    Find the Grids dropdown in Item Properties and click the + button.

c)    Double-click the newly created grid (e.g., Grid 1) to rename it (e.g., UTM Grid or Projected).

d)    Click Modify Grid... to set your preferred CRS (such as your project's local projected coordinate system), line style (solid, cross, or markers), and X/Y intervals.

e)    Enable Draw Coordinates if you want annotations displayed for this primary grid.

 

Adding and Configuring the Second Grid

a)    Click the green plus (+) button again in the Grids menu to create Grid 2.

b)    Rename it to avoid confusion (e.g., Geographic Grid or Lat-Long).

c)    Click Modify Grid... to adjust its properties independently.

d)    Change the CRS to a different system if needed (e.g., EPSG:4326 for latitude/longitude degrees).

e)    Adjust the interval values, select a different appearance (like using subtle crosses instead of solid lines), or disable line rendering entirely while keeping frame ticks and coordinates active to prevent visual clutter.

Thank you for reading.