QGIS Mapserver originally has two configuration files, located in the
same directory as the FCGI binary:

 - admin.sld
 - wms_metadata.xml

The binary only accepts them, when they are located in the same directory.

"admin.sld" uses extended SLD syntax (Style Layer Descriptor) to
describe symbolization of data. It's more comfortable though, to
layout your map in QGIS and just use a .qgs (QGIS project) to describe
your map. This approach also allows for multiple map services, because
the Mapserver accepts the path to a QGIS project as a HTTP Get
parameter.

A getCapabilities request looks like this, if you use the supplied
sample configuration:

http://localhost/qgis/qgis_mapserv.fcgi?MAP=/var/www/html/my_first_map.qgs&SERVICE=WMS&VERSION=1.3.0&REQUEST=GetCapabilities

/var/www/html/my_first_map.qgs is the assumed location of your QGIS
project file. The actual data can stay where it is. Make sure QGIS
Mapserver can access the project file and don't forget to let Httpd
reload its configuration before sending your requests!

"wms_metadata.xml" supplies metadata for your WMS. If you serve different
projects, metadata may vary, so that file won't work for you. Try to fill
in on the metadata tab of your QGIS project. It is not that complete
though, but enhancement is planned, Marco Hugentobler said.

Both configuration files are included as documentation.

Further information: http://karlinapp.ethz.ch/qgis_wms

    Volker Fröhlich
    volker27@gmx.at