Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Georeferencing in QGIS is the process of assigning real-world geographic coordinates to a scanned map or raster image.
This allows the image to be used as a spatially accurate layer in GIS mapping and analysis.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us trace the step-by-step workflow of georeferencing a scanned map in QGIS relative to a reference map:
1. Step 1 (C): Open the reference map (base map) that you want to use as a coordinate guide in the main QGIS canvas window. This provides the spatial coordinate system for the target image.
2. Step 2 (B): Open the QGIS Georeferencer tool and load the scanned image or unreferenced map that needs to be georeferenced.
3. Step 3 (D): Identify and select Ground Control Points (GCPs). This is done by clicking on prominent, easily identifiable features on the unreferenced image (such as road intersections or river bends) and linking them to their corresponding locations on the reference base map.
4. Step 4 (A): Open the transformation settings in the Georeferencer tool to select the transformation type (such as Linear, Polynomial, or Thin Plate Spline) and the target Coordinate Reference System (CRS). Then, run the georeferencing process to produce the final, spatially aligned map.
Therefore, the correct sequence is (C) $\rightarrow$ (B) $\rightarrow$ (D) $\rightarrow$ (A).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct sequence of steps is (C), (B), (D), (A), corresponding to option (D).