Aller au contenu principal

Layout Design and Map Printing

Layout design and map printing are used to organize map browsing results into formal map layouts. This process mainly includes page organization, template reuse, atlas management, image export, and print output.

1. Map Layout​

Feature Description​

A map layout is the page structure of a map output. It organizes the main map, legend, scale bar, north arrow, title, explanatory text, inset maps, and other content in a unified way.

Layout Components​

Common layout components include:

  • Main map;
  • Title and explanatory text;
  • Legend;
  • Scale bar;
  • North arrow;
  • Inset maps, images, or annotation areas.

Design Requirements​

  • Complete information: clearly describe the map theme and content;
  • Clear visual hierarchy: emphasize the main map;
  • Balanced layout: avoid overcrowding or uneven white space.

2. Key Points for Layout Design​

1. Determine the Output Purpose​

Before starting the layout, clarify the intended use of the output, for example:

  • On-screen presentation;
  • Report illustration;
  • Formal printing;
  • Atlas output.

Different uses directly affect page orientation, layout density, and output clarity.

2. Emphasize the Main Map​

The main map should be the visual center of the page. The legend, scale bar, explanatory text, and inset maps should all be arranged around the main map.

3. Maintain Appropriate White Space​

White space improves layout neatness and reading comfort. Map elements should not be too crowded or placed too close to the page edge.

4. Add Necessary Notes​

For formal map layouts, add the following information as needed:

  • Title;
  • Data source;
  • Map production date;
  • Map production organization;
  • Necessary thematic annotations.

3. Layout Templates​

Feature Description​

Layout templates save an organized layout structure and style configuration for later reuse.

Content Suitable for Templates​

  • Page size and orientation;
  • Map frame position and size;
  • Arrangement of elements such as the legend, scale bar, and north arrow;
  • Styles for the title and explanatory text areas;
  • A stable visual style.

Applicable Scenarios​

  • Batch map production;
  • A series of thematic maps;
  • Regularly updated map layouts;
  • Unified map output style within a team.

Usage Tips​

  • Save a template after the layout has become stable;
  • After opening a template, check whether the current data, legend, title, and explanatory text have been updated.

4. Atlas Management​

Feature Description​

An atlas is used to manage multiple map production pages in one project. Each map production page is a page in the atlas.

Applicable Scenarios​

  • Multiple thematic outputs for the same area;
  • Outputs for the same theme at different times;
  • Multi-page organization of the main map, location map, and inset maps;
  • Unified management of report illustrations.

Common Operations​

  • Open the current map production page;
  • Copy the current map production page;
  • Delete the current map production page;
  • Rename the current map production page.

Usage Tips​

  • The map production page name should indicate the theme, area, or time;
  • The copy function is suitable for quickly creating similar outputs based on an existing page.

5. Export Map Images​

Feature Description​

Exporting a map image outputs the current map production page as a static image file for presentation, archiving, sharing, or printing.

Why Export​

  • Produce a formal map layout;
  • Generate image files that are easy to use across platforms;
  • Save the map layout in a fixed form.

Resolution Guidelines​

When exporting, choose an appropriate resolution based on the intended use:

  • Standard resolution: suitable for on-screen viewing and general presentations;
  • Higher resolution: suitable for report illustrations and regular printing;
  • Very high resolution: suitable for fine printing or formal publication.

Checks Before Exporting​

  • Whether the map extent is correct;
  • Whether the legend, scale bar, and north arrow are complete;
  • Whether text is clear and does not overlap;
  • Whether images and inset maps are fully displayed;
  • Whether there is any clipping risk at the page edge.

6. Map Printing​

Feature Description​

Map printing outputs map layouts to paper. Print quality is affected not only by map content, but also by page settings, resolution, and device performance.

  • Whether the page orientation matches the layout;
  • Whether page margins meet printing and binding requirements;
  • Whether font sizes are suitable for reading on paper;
  • Whether colors are suitable for print output;
  • Whether the output resolution meets the target use.

Usage Tips​

  • Before formal printing, output a proof copy for checking;
  • For map layouts that need to be bound or archived, reserve sufficient margins.

Use the following sequence to complete map layout design and output:

  1. Determine the page size and orientation;
  2. Insert a map frame and adjust the main extent;
  3. Add the legend, scale bar, north arrow, and explanatory text;
  4. Adjust hierarchy, alignment, and white space;
  5. Save the template;
  6. Organize atlas pages;
  7. Export an image or print the map.

This workflow applies to most map layout production scenarios and helps improve page consistency and output efficiency.