Is there a simple way (without writing script or Python skills) to auto-calculate and auto-populate "lat" and "lon" attributes in QGIS?
When I manually add new points or move existing points in my layer, I'd like the "lat" and "lon" attributes to be captured and the attribute table populated/updated as I complete the task.
Right now, I create or modify the points and then update the attribute table with $y and $x in the Field Calculator.
You have a couple of options.
Option 1 - Virtual Field
The easiest method - which based on your question, seems likely to satisfy - is to simply add virtual fields "lat" and "lon" via the Field Calculator, with the following expressions:
x(@geometry) (you can use $x, but this is deprecated)y(@geometry)
Option 2 - Default Values
The other option is to set default values, and have them auto-update. If this is the layer creation dialog:
Then under Layer Properties -> Attributes Form, click on "lat" and set the defaults to x(@geometry). Similar for "lon" - y(@geometry). Also set the Apply default value on update checkbox
Then when you create a point, the attributes will populate automatically:
And if you move the point, they will update:
Layer properties, Custom forms, select the field of the coordinate(s), Default value, $x, $y (or the way you intend them to be presented)
@Tom-Brennan describes exactly what you have to do, if your data is already in WGS84. But for a general solution, you must first transform the geometry object to WGS84:
lon = x(transform(@geometry, @layer_crs , 'EPSG:4326'))
lat = y(transform(@geometry, @layer_crs , 'EPSG:4326'))
