Print number of features as text in QGIS Print Composer (Atlas generator)

Question

I have made an atlas in QGIS 3.6.3 (Noosa) of plant species distributions in two periods of time. Black dots represent distribution in the period 2000-2019 and gray squares represent distribution in the period 1975-1999 (see picture below). In the top part the local (Dutch) name, the scientific name and an ecological group indicator are shown. This is printed automatically using a reference dataset.

I want to print the number of black circles and the number of gray squares as text automatically for every map (1700 maps total). Can this be done without having to calculate it manually? In Excel or R i am able to make a column that specifies the number of occurences in the given period. I could then print this number in the print composer, but the map is still a work in progress and i would not want to manually update it every time i make a change in my dataset (add a new square for a species for example). Hence i would like a way to have the number of features calculated for me automaticcaly whilst generating the Atlas.

Concrete question: How can I print the number of black dots and gray squares in a text block (see example in bottom right of added picture), using the atlas generator in QGIS?

Hope the question is clear enough, otherwise i am open to suggestions.

Coverage layer (Text file with no geometrics):

Answer 1

Here is my understanding of your question and then the solution I propose.

Your goal

You have to produce 1700 maps always about a given region (the island shown in screenshot).

In this maps theres is two_layer

• black circle in layer_a for every plant species distribution 2000-2019
• grey square in layer_b for every plant species distribution 1975-1999

I consider that these layers are polygon and contain a column named eco to code the species. The goal is to count the number of feature in layer_a and in layer_b if we filter only a given plant species (one for each atlas).

We assume that for a given species and a given period of time OR for a given layer there is no overlapping of feature (multiple feature in the same place with same attributes).

How to do it

First update QGIS. There is not all the aggreagate expression in the 3.6 version.

Define your layout and coverage layer for atlas. This layer have a comon field with layer_a and layer_b wich is eco.

Create a text box in your atlas, insert an expression wich will be : aggregate( 'layer_a', 'count', 1, filter:= "eco"= attribute(@atlas_feature, 'eco'))

Note : you have to select layer_a text and then double click on your layer corresponding to insert his name (it will prevent miswriting of layer name).

This will count the number of feature in layer_a that have the field eco equal to the eco value of your current atlas feature.

Do the same for the value in layer_b and arrange your text format.

Optional : If you have features in layer_a or layer_b that are outside your current map, then you can add in the expression a filter based on geographical rule.

Answer 2

I do not really understand the structure of your data sets.

You have posted your "coverage" layer - seems ok for me.
I understood, that you have two shape files with points for dispersion of your plant species. Is this correct?
I Think, you must have a layer with the squares covering your area of interest.

Now for your problem:
If I understand it correctly, you need a column with a virtual field in your coverage table that counts the occurences of a species in one of the periods. I think you should read about the function "aggregate" ( https://docs.qgis.org/3.16/en/docs/user_manual/working_with_vector/functions_list.html#aggregate ). This function allows you to collect and - well - aggregate informations from another layer. I don't know the details of your data structure, but I am quite sure, that this function can do what you need.

Maybe something similar like
aggregate(layer:='your_layer_with_squares',aggregate:='count',expression:="ID",filter:="species1_in_period_1">0)