## General Questions

### What is Q2G?

Q2G is a QGIS plugin that streamlines uploading layers and managing styles on GeoServer. It provides a user-friendly interface for layer management, style export, and workspace administration.

### Do I need GeoServer installed locally?

No, GeoServer can be installed on any server you have network access to. It can be local, remote, or cloud-hosted. You just need the URL and credentials.

### What versions of QGIS are supported?

Q2G supports QGIS 3.40 and higher. It has been tested up to QGIS 3.40. Check the plugin documentation for the latest supported versions.

### What versions of GeoServer are supported?

Q2G supports GeoServer 2.19 and higher. Most features work with recent versions. Check for any version-specific limitations in the documentation.

### Is Q2G free?

Yes, Q2G is open-source and free to use. It's available through the QGIS Plugin Manager.

### Can I use Q2G with a remote GeoServer?

Yes, absolutely. You can connect to any GeoServer instance you have network access to. Just enter the correct URL and credentials.

## Installation and Setup

### How do I install Q2G?

Use the QGIS Plugin Manager: `Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins`, search for "Q2G", and click "Install Plugin".

### The plugin doesn't appear after installation. What should I do?

Try restarting QGIS. If it still doesn't appear, check if it's enabled in the Plugin Manager. Look in the QGIS log file for any error messages.

### Can I install the plugin manually?

Yes, you can extract the plugin folder into your QGIS plugins directory. See the Installation guide for detailed instructions for your operating system.

### How do I update Q2G?

Go to `Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins`, click the "Updates" tab, find Q2G, and click "Upgrade Plugin".

### What if I get a Python error when loading the plugin?

Check the QGIS log file for details. Common issues include missing dependencies or Python version conflicts. Try reinstalling the plugin.

## Q2G Connection and Authentication

### How do I connect to GeoServer?

Enter your GeoServer URL, username, and password in the connection panel. Click "Test Q2G Connection" to verify. See the Configuration guide for details.

### What if I forget my GeoServer password?

Reset the password in GeoServer's web interface or contact your GeoServer administrator.

### Can I use HTTPS with Q2G?

Yes, use `https://` in your GeoServer URL. The plugin will handle SSL verification automatically.

### How do I use Q2G with a proxy?

Configure QGIS proxy settings: `Settings → Options → Network`. Q2G will automatically use these settings.

### Can I save my credentials?

Yes, QGIS automatically saves your credentials. They're stored in QGIS settings. Ensure your QGIS configuration directory has appropriate file permissions.

### Is it safe to save my password?

Passwords are stored in QGIS settings files. Ensure your computer is secure and your QGIS configuration directory has restricted access. For sensitive environments, consider using environment variables or secure credential managers.

## Layer Upload

### What layer formats are supported?

Supported formats include Shapefile, GeoPackage, GeoTIFF, PostGIS, SQLite, and others. See the Getting Started guide for a complete list.

### Can I upload multiple layers at once?

Yes, select multiple layers and click "Upload Layers". They will be uploaded sequentially.

### What does "Auto-Overwrite" do?

When enabled, existing layers with the same name will be deleted and replaced. When disabled, upload fails if the layer already exists.

### How long does an upload take?

Upload time depends on file size, network speed, and GeoServer performance. Small files (< 10 MB) typically upload in seconds. Larger files may take minutes.

### Can I upload very large files?

There are limits based on GeoServer configuration. For very large files, consider splitting them or using compression (GeoPackage instead of Shapefile).

### What if my layer doesn't have a CRS?

Set the layer's CRS in QGIS before uploading. Right-click the layer → Set Layer CRS.

### Can I upload layers with invalid geometries?

It's not recommended. Use Vector → Geometry Tools → Fix Geometries to fix invalid geometries first.

### What happens if the upload fails?

Check the upload log for error messages. Common issues include connection problems, invalid data, or permission errors. See the Troubleshooting guide for solutions.

## Style Management

### What is SLD?

SLD (Styled Layer Descriptor) is an XML standard for defining map symbology. It describes colors, symbols, labels, and other visual properties.

### Can I upload QGIS styles to GeoServer?

Yes, Q2G automatically converts QGIS styles to SLD and uploads them to GeoServer.

### Will my QGIS style look exactly the same on GeoServer?

Most styles convert well, but some QGIS features may not be perfectly supported in SLD. Test your styles on GeoServer to verify.

### Can I edit SLD directly?

Yes, advanced users can view and edit SLD code. Click the "..." button next to a layer to view its SLD.

### How do I apply a different style to a layer?

Upload a new style with a different name, then manually associate it with the layer in GeoServer, or use the plugin's style association features.

### Can I share styles between layers?

Yes, export a style from one layer, upload it with a different name, and associate it with other layers.

### What if my style doesn't upload?

Check the upload log for errors. Common issues include complex styles or unsupported features. Try simplifying the style and uploading again.

## Workspace Management

### What is a workspace?

A workspace is a logical grouping of layers, datastores, and styles in GeoServer. Each workspace is independent.

### How do I create a new workspace?

Click the "Create New Workspace" button in Q2G, enter a name, and click "Create".

### Can I delete a workspace?

Yes, click "Delete Workspace". This will delete all layers, datastores, and styles in the workspace. This action cannot be undone.

### How many workspaces can I have?

There's no practical limit. Organize your workspaces by project, department, or data type.

### What is a datastore?

A datastore is a connection to a data source (file or database) in GeoServer. It contains one or more layers.

### Can I have multiple layers in one datastore?

Yes, datastores can contain multiple layers. This is common with GeoPackages and PostGIS databases.

## PostGIS

### What is PostGIS?

PostGIS is a spatial extension for PostgreSQL that allows storing and querying geographic data in a database.

### How do I upload PostGIS layers?

Load a PostGIS layer in QGIS, select it in Q2G, and click "Upload Layers". The plugin will automatically register it in GeoServer.

### Do I need to provide PostGIS credentials?

Q2G will prompt for credentials if needed. They're stored locally in postgis.ini for convenience.

### Can I upload views from PostGIS?

Yes, database views can be uploaded as layers if they have a geometry column.

### What if my PostGIS layer won't upload?

Check that the database is running, credentials are correct, and the table has a geometry column. See the Troubleshooting guide for more solutions.

## Performance and Optimization

### How can I speed up uploads?

Use compressed formats (GeoPackage), upload during off-peak hours, use a wired network connection, and upload smaller batches of layers.

### Why is my upload so slow?

Slow uploads can be caused by large file size, slow network, or GeoServer being busy. Check your network speed and try uploading during off-peak hours.

### How can I optimize GeoServer performance?

Monitor memory usage, optimize database connections, use indexes on frequently queried columns, and archive old layers.

### Should I use Shapefile or GeoPackage?

GeoPackage is recommended for new projects. It's more efficient, supports multiple layers, and has better compression.

## Troubleshooting

### The plugin keeps crashing. What should I do?

Check the QGIS log file for error messages. Try reinstalling the plugin. If the issue persists, report it with the error details.

### I get an error about missing dependencies. What does this mean?

Some Python packages required by the plugin are missing. Try reinstalling the plugin or QGIS.

### How do I report a bug?

Collect the error message and upload log, then report it on the project's issue tracker with as much detail as possible.

### Where can I get help?

Check the manual, FAQ, and Troubleshooting guide. You can also ask questions in QGIS forums or the project's issue tracker.

## Best Practices

### What's the best way to organize my workspaces?

Create separate workspaces for different projects or departments. Use consistent naming conventions and document the purpose of each workspace.

### How often should I backup my GeoServer data?

Regular backups are recommended, especially before major changes. The frequency depends on how often your data changes.

### Should I use one large datastore or multiple small ones?

Multiple smaller datastores are easier to manage and maintain. Group related layers in each datastore.

### What's the best way to name layers?

Use descriptive, lowercase names with underscores. Avoid spaces and special characters. Include a prefix to group related layers.

### How should I version my styles?

Use naming conventions like "layer_style_v1", "layer_style_v2". Keep backups of important styles.

## Advanced Questions

### Can I automate uploads with scripts?

Yes, you can use QGIS Python console or external scripts to automate uploads. The plugin uses standard GeoServer REST API.

### Can I integrate Q2G with other tools?

Yes, the plugin uses standard OGC protocols and REST API, making it compatible with other GIS tools and web applications.

### How do I monitor GeoServer performance?

Use GeoServer's built-in monitoring tools, check system resources, and review logs. Consider using external monitoring tools for production environments.

### Can I use Q2G in a production environment?

Yes, it's suitable for production use. Follow best practices for security, backups, and performance optimization.

## Still Have Questions?

If you couldn't find the answer to your question:

- Check the Troubleshooting guide
- Review the Layer Upload guide
- Check the Advanced Features guide
- Look for help in QGIS forums
- Report issues on the project's issue tracker

## Navigation

- Back to Home
- Getting Started
- Layer Upload
- Style Management
- Troubleshooting

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