Merge pull request #757 from nsidc/matt-doc-review-howto

Update how-tos for v3

doc/user/how-to/adding-data.md

@@ -1,13 +1,12 @@
 # Adding New Datasets to QGreenland
 
-Once the QGreenland Core package is downloaded and extracted onto a user’s
-computer, it is fully customizable by the user. One can add new data, delete
-layers within QGreenland, or make changes.  Saving the project will update the
-qgreenland.qgs project file. If you do not want to overwrite the original project
-version, simply save your updated project using a new filename via ‘Save As...’
-You can create as many different projects as you like, adding or removing data
-from the downloaded QGreenland package or adding data from elsewhere on your
-computer.
+Once the QGreenland Core package is downloaded and extracted onto a user’s computer, it
+is fully customizable by the user. One can add new data, delete layers within
+QGreenland, or make changes.  Saving the project will update the `qgreenland.qgs`
+project file. If you do not want to overwrite the original project version, simply save
+your updated project using a new filename via **Save As...** You can create as many
+different projects as you like, adding or removing data from the downloaded QGreenland
+package or adding data from elsewhere on your computer.
 
 
 ```{note}

doc/user/how-to/metadata.md

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # How to Locate Layer Metadata
 
 Metadata refers to the general information about a data file, and the
-metadata for QGreenland GIS data files can be accessed in two ways. 
+metadata for QGreenland layers can be accessed in two ways. 
 
 ```{note}
 For more information on layer properties and metadata, see our Tutorial on
@@ -12,17 +12,18 @@ Core](/user/tutorials/interacting-with-geospatial-data.md).
 (using_qgis)=
 ## Via QGIS Layer Properties
 
-If you have the QGreenland Core base package downloaded, you can easily locate
-and view layer metadata within QGIS. First, open the **qgreenland.qgs** QGIS project file that was included
-in the QGreenland Core download package. Next, locate your layer of interest in the **Layer Panel**.
-The **Layer Panel** is a panel on the left side of the **Map View** containing a list of layers 
-that are in your QGIS project.
+If you have the QGreenland Core base package downloaded, you can easily locate and view
+layer metadata within QGIS. First, open the `qgreenland.qgs` QGIS project file that was
+included in the QGreenland Core download package. Next, locate your layer of interest in
+the **Layer Panel**.  The **Layer Panel** is a panel on the left side of the **Map
+View** containing a list of layers that are in your QGIS project.
 
 ![layer_panel_2.png](/_images/layer_panel_2.png)
 
-Right click on the layer and select the **Properties** option. This will open the Layer Properties window.
-Next, find the metadata tab on the left side window panel. This will show any available information
-that is associated with the data layer, including the title and abstract.
+Right click on the layer and select the **Properties** option. This will open the Layer
+Properties window.  Next, find the metadata tab on the left side window panel. This will
+show any available information that is associated with the data layer, including the
+title and abstract.
 
 ![metadata.png](/_images/metadata.png)
 
@@ -32,13 +33,13 @@ be found in the **Information** tab.
 ## Via Text Files in Layer Directories
 
 In each layer directory inside the QGreenland package, you should see 2 text
-files, one **provenance.txt**, which includes information on how the data is
-processed, and one **metadata.txt**.
+files, one `provenance.txt`, which includes information on how the data is
+processed, and one `metadata.txt`.
 
-Open up **metadata.txt** to read through the layer metadata including layer
+Open up `metadata.txt` to read through the layer metadata including layer
 description, dataset abstract, and citation information.
 
-Open the **provenance.txt** file to see all of the processing steps applied to
+Open the `provenance.txt` file to see all of the processing steps applied to
 the data for QGreenland.
 
 ![layer_dir.png](/_images/layer_dir.png)

doc/user/how-to/online-layers.md

@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@ from QGIS:
 
 ## Add a WMS Layer
 
-First, open the “Data Source Manager” from the top **Menu Bar** **(Layer >Data Source
-Manager)** and select the “WMS/WMTS” option.
+First, open the “Data Source Manager” from the top **Menu Bar** (**Layer -> Data Source
+Manager**) and select the “WMS/WMTS” option.
 
 ![wms_data_management_screen](/_images/wms_data_management_screen.jpg)
 
@@ -79,5 +79,6 @@ layer name in the **Layers Panel**.
 ![timeseries_layer_clock_icon](/_images/timeseries_layer_clock_icon.png)
 
 **Temporal Layers** can be interacted with using the **Temporal Controller** panel. See the
-[QGIS documentation](https://docs.qgis.org/3.28/en/docs/user_manual/map_views/map_view.html#maptimecontrol) for more information about time-based control of the map canvas.
+[QGIS documentation](https://docs.qgis.org/3.28/en/docs/user_manual/map_views/map_view.html#maptimecontrol)
+for more information about time-based control of the map canvas.
 ```

doc/user/how-to/troubleshooting.md

@@ -104,25 +104,20 @@ wish to turn on so that they are displayed. You can also go to
 
 Double-check that there is not another layer overlaying and thus obscuring the
 layer you want to see in the **Map View**. Remember that layer are displayed in the
-**Map View** in the same order that they are listed in the **Layers Panel - layers**
+**Map View** in the same order that they are listed in the **Layers Panel** - layers
 listed at the top of the **Layers Panel** show up on top on the **Map View**. You can
 either turn off any layer that might be obscuring the layer you wish to see by
 unchecking it in the **Layers Panel**, or re-arrange the order of layers by
 clicking and dragging them up or down in the **Layers Panel**.
 
 Some QGreenland data layers are only visible at a specific map scale (see
-_QGreenland User Guide section 4.3.1: Scale-dependent rendering_ for more
-information). Try zooming in.
+_QGreenland User Guide section 4.3.1: [Scale-dependent
+rendering](#scale-dependent-rendering)_ for more information). Try zooming in.
 
 
 ### When I open QGreenland, I get the warning `Font "Helvetica" not available on system`
 
-This warning indicates that a layer's style requires a font you do not have. This should
-not affect your use of QGreenland, as another font will be automatically substituted.
-
-This warning is resolved in QGreenland v3. If you still experience this warning in
-QGreenland v3, you need to update QGIS to the minimum supported version 3.28, which is
-capable of downloading the needed fonts.
+Please upgrade to QGreenland v3 and a supported version of QGIS (>=3.28).
 
 For more context, see the [GitHub
 issue](https://github.com/nsidc/qgreenland/issues/515).
@@ -158,6 +153,8 @@ has determined can be ignored:
 
 ## I am having other problems. How do I contact the QGreenland team?
 
-If you have feedback on or questions about the QGreenland data package, or want
-to contribute datasets to future QGreenland releases, please contact us at
+If you have feedback or questions about the QGreenland data package, or want to
+contribute datasets to future QGreenland releases, please participate in our [GitHub
+Discussions](https://github.com/nsidc/qgreenland/discussions/) space. If you're
+uncomfortable with or otherwise can not participate there, please contact us directly at
 <qgreenland.info@gmail.com>. 

doc/user/tutorials/interacting-with-geospatial-data.md

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 There are two main basic kinds of GIS data layers: vector and raster.
 
+
 ### Vector Data
 
 **Vector** data are composed of points, lines, and polygons and represent discrete features.
@@ -17,6 +18,7 @@ geospatial data.
 Fig. 4: Examples of **Vector** data layers in QGreenland Core: Points (towns and settlements), lines
 (median January sea ice extent), and polygons (country boundaries).
 
+
 ### Vector Data Attributes
 
 All QGIS vector data layers have associated attributes, or characteristics of the discrete
@@ -30,6 +32,7 @@ are individual features. Clicking on and highlighting records in the **Attribute
 highlight those specific points, lines, or polygons in the **Map View**. Right-click any cell to
 ‘Zoom to feature’, ‘Pan to feature’, or ‘Flash feature’.
 
+
 ### Raster Data
 
 **Raster** data are composed of grid cells or pixels, where each grid cell has its own value.
@@ -79,25 +82,31 @@ QGreenland.
 
 Fig. 6: The **Layer Properties** dialog window for the QGreenland ‘Earthquakes’ data layer
 
+
 ## Data Projections
 
 Data projections, or Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS), define the coordinate system for
 a QGIS project and data layers. The CRS for the current **Map View** is indicated on the right
 side of the QGIS status bar. For QGreenland, the current CRS should be identified as ‘EPSG:
 3413,’ which is the identifier for the NSIDC Sea Ice Polar Stereographic North on a WGS 84
-Ellipsoid CRS. Changing the CRS of the **Map View** will not change the underlying data, though QGIS will do on-the-fly reprojection of layers not in the selected CRS. It is possible to reproject a layer into a new CRS;
-however, this transforms the data and can introduce artifacts. Therefore, it is recommended
-that to reproject data, the user do so from the source data and not the data contained in the
-QGreenland package.
+Ellipsoid CRS. Changing the CRS of the **Map View** will not change the underlying data,
+though QGIS will do on-the-fly reprojection of layers not in the selected CRS. It is
+possible to reproject a layer into a new CRS; however, this transforms the data and can
+introduce artifacts. Therefore, it is recommended that to reproject data, the user do so
+from the source data and not the data contained in the QGreenland package.
+
 
+(scale-dependent-rendering)=
 ### Scale-Dependent Rendering
+
 Scale-dependent rendering refers to the scale at which a particular data layer will be visible in
 the QGIS map display. This can make it easier to zoom in and out for certain data layers. The
-user can turn on scale-dependent rendering for any layer by going to the layer **‘Properties’ ->
-‘Rendering’**, checking the box for Scale Dependent Visibility, and then setting the minimum
+user can turn on scale-dependent rendering for any layer by going to the layer **Properties ->
+Rendering**, checking the box for Scale Dependent Visibility, and then setting the minimum
 and maximum scale dependent visibility. For scale reference, refer to the scale indicated at
 the bottom of the QGIS interface in the **Status Bar**.
 
+
 ### QGreenland Data Layers
 A complete list of all QGreenland data layers and their metadata, including information about
 their original data source, can be found in the layer_list.csv file included in the QGreenland
@@ -128,6 +137,7 @@ To use the **Identify Features** button:
 
 Fig. 7: The **Identify Results Panel** that shows results from the **Identify Features** tool.
 
+
 ## Measuring Distances, Areas, and Angles
 
 Another useful basic tool in the **Attributes Toolbar** is the **Measuring Tool**. The **Measuring Tool**
@@ -154,6 +164,7 @@ To use the **Measuring Tool**:
    three points to draw the angle. The second point you click on will serve as the
    angle’s vertex.
 
+
 ## Adding Text Annotations to the Map View
 
 You can add a text annotation anywhere in the **Map View** using the text annotation tool
@@ -170,6 +181,7 @@ To use the **Text Annotation Tool**:
 5. To delete an annotation, double click on it to open the dialog window, then
    click **Delete**.
 
+
 ## Editing Layer Symbology
 
 Each QGreenland data layer comes with a predefined symbology (how the layer is visualized
@@ -186,6 +198,7 @@ To modify a layer’s symbology:
       a raster layer can be changed in the **Transparency** tab of the **Layer Properties**
       dialog window.
 
+
 ## Processing Toolbox
 
 The **Processing Toolbox** is what makes the QGIS platform a powerful spatial data analysis tool.
@@ -200,6 +213,7 @@ view by clicking on the gear icon in the **Attributes Toolbar** or by going to
 For more in-depth information about the Processing Toolbox see the 
 [QGIS User Manual](https://docs.qgis.org/3.28/en/docs/user_manual/processing/toolbox.html)
 
+
 ## Spatial Querying
 
 Spatial querying allows the user to select specific layer features based on desired parameters,
@@ -210,7 +224,9 @@ learn through experience that there is very often more than one way to complete
 task in the QGIS platform. We will describe several query and analysis methodologies that
 use the QGIS **Processing Toolbox**.
 
+
 ### Example 1: Selecting from Vector Layers for Specific Features
+
 Which populated regions in Greenland have more than 5000 people?
 
 1. Open the **Processing Toolbox** and go to **Vector selection -> Select by attribute**.
@@ -235,7 +251,9 @@ you can do so by either 1) right-clicking on the layer you have just selected fr
 choosing **Export -> Save selected features as...**, or by 2) selecting **Extract by attribute**
 under **Vector selection** in the **Processing Toolbox**.
 
+
 ### Example 2: Vector Layer Statistics
+
 What is the total number of people in Greenland’s populated areas?
 What is the average size of Greenland’s populated areas?
 
@@ -255,7 +273,9 @@ of people in Greenland’s metropolitan areas (55,494 people).
 ![vector_layer_stats](/_images/vector_layer_stats.png)
 Fig. 8: Results of Example 2: Vector Layer Statistics
 
+
 ### Example 3: Simple Raster Analysis
+
 What is a good estimate of the Greenland ice sheet’s volume?
 
 1. In the **Processing Toolbox**, go to **Raster analysis -> Raster surface volume**. This
@@ -278,7 +298,9 @@ The results file should contain three numbers: volume, pixel count, and area. Th
 the volume of the Greenland ice sheet in units of m3. The results should show that the Green-
 land ice sheet has a volume of 2,942,360,633,311,806 m3, or about 2.9 million km3.
 
+
 ### Example 4: Using the Raster Calculator
+
 How does the maximum sea ice concentration (%) around Greenland and
 the surrounding land masses in 2020 compare to the maximum sea ice
 concentration a decade earlier (2010)?