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Map Elements

Map elements are objects on a map production page. They are used to present map content, direction, scale relationships, symbol meanings, and supplementary information. Using map elements properly helps improve the completeness and readability of a map layout.

1. Usage Notes​

Basic Principles​

  • Elements should support map communication and should not be overused.
  • Elements such as north arrows, scale bars, and legends usually need to be associated with a map frame.
  • When a page contains multiple map frames, carefully check that each element is associated with the correct map frame.

Illustration suggestion: A complete map layout with the positions of the map frame, legend, scale bar, north arrow, text, and inset map marked.

2. Map Frame​

Function​

A map frame is the core element of a map production page. It displays spatial data and map content. Layers, map extent, scale representation, and elements such as legends, scale bars, and north arrows are usually organized around the map frame.

Use Cases​

  • Creating common thematic maps.
  • Including a main map, inset map, and location map in one map layout.
  • Comparing different areas or themes side by side.

Common Properties​

  • Element name: distinguishes multiple map frames.
  • Layer content: controls the layers displayed in the map frame.
  • Grid lines: display a graticule or projected coordinate grid.
  • Map extent: controls the display area in the current map frame.

Recommendations​

  • Determine the map frame position and map extent before adding other elements.
  • On pages with multiple map frames, clearly distinguish the main map, location map, and enlarged map.

Illustration suggestion: An example screenshot of a page that contains a main map and a location map.

3. North Arrow​

Function​

A north arrow indicates map direction and helps readers identify north on the map.

Use Cases​

  • Thematic maps that need to show directional relationships clearly.
  • Pages with rotated map frames or multiple map frames.

Common Properties​

  • Element name.
  • Select map: specifies the associated map frame.
  • North arrow style.
  • Color.
  • Rotation angle.

Notes​

  • If there is no map frame on the page, the north arrow can only be displayed as a regular graphic.
  • On pages with multiple map frames, confirm that the north arrow is associated with the target map frame.

Recommendations​

  • Place it near a map corner or in an empty area.
  • Avoid making it too large, so it does not interfere with reading the main map.

4. Scale Bar​

Function​

A scale bar represents the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground. It is an important element for explaining map scale.

Use Cases​

  • Thematic maps that need to express spatial scale.
  • Report figures, map layouts, and printed maps.

Common Properties​

  • Element name.
  • Select map: specifies the associated map frame.
  • Scale axis style.
  • Number of segments.
  • Major ticks and minor ticks.
  • Tick label position and display frequency.
  • Units, such as meters or kilometers.

Notes​

  • The scale bar should correspond to the target map frame.
  • On pages with multiple map frames, verify that the scale bar is bound to the main map.

Recommendations​

  • Place it at the bottom of the page or in a corner.
  • On smaller pages, limit the number of ticks to avoid overcrowding.

Illustration suggestion: A screenshot of the scale bar properties panel, highlighting units, segment count, and associated map settings.

5. Legend​

Function​

A legend explains the meanings of symbols, colors, and categories on a map. It is an important supporting element for reading thematic maps.

Use Cases​

  • Categorized symbol maps.
  • Graduated color maps.
  • Map layouts that contain multiple thematic layers.

Common Properties​

  • Element name.
  • Select map.
  • Title.
  • Font style.
  • Legend item arrangement.
  • Whether to display layer names.
  • Number of rows and columns.
  • Spacing between legend items and between layers.

Notes​

  • Legend content should be consistent with the current layer symbols.
  • After replacing data or modifying symbology, check whether the legend is updated accordingly.
  • When there are many categories, avoid making the legend too long or too dense.

Recommendations​

  • Customize the legend title based on the theme.
  • Keep only the legend items needed for reading the map to avoid redundant information.

Illustration suggestion: An example legend layout showing the title, layer names, legend items, and multi-column arrangement.

6. Text​

Function​

Text elements provide supplementary map information. They are often used for titles, data sources, map production dates, thematic descriptions, and local annotations.

Use Cases​

  • Labeling the map theme.
  • Adding explanatory notes to a map layout.
  • Providing text explanations for key areas.
  • Labeling map production information.

Common Properties​

  • Element name.
  • Text content.
  • Font, font size, and color.
  • Bold, italic, and underline.
  • Alignment.

Recommendations​

  • Titles should be concise and clear.
  • Keep explanatory text brief so it does not affect map readability.
  • Use font hierarchy to distinguish titles, body text, and notes.

Illustration suggestion: An example text layout that includes a title, subtitle, data source, and annotation notes.

7. Images​

Function​

Image elements are used to insert external images into a map production page. They can provide supplementary explanations or visual supporting information.

Use Cases​

  • Inserting an organization logo.
  • Inserting site photos or thematic diagrams.
  • Adding statistical charts, flowcharts, or explanatory graphics.

Common Properties​

  • Element name.
  • Image file.
  • Position and size.

Recommendations​

  • Prefer high-resolution images.
  • Images should support the map theme and should not cover the main map.
  • When an image needs explanation, use it together with text.

8. Graphics​

Function​

Graphic elements are used for emphasis, grouping, background decoration, or auxiliary marks on the page.

Use Cases​

  • Marking key areas.
  • Adding background color blocks.
  • Drawing zone borders or callout boxes.
  • Placing auxiliary symbols.

Common Properties​

  • Element name.
  • Fill color.
  • Border style.
  • Rotation angle.

Recommendations​

  • Graphics are suitable as layout aids and should not replace formal thematic symbols.
  • When used as a background, avoid strong colors that affect readability of the main map.
  • When used for emphasis, control the number of graphics and keep their styles consistent.

Organize map elements in the following order:

  1. Insert the map frame first.
  2. Add the scale bar, legend, and north arrow.
  3. Add the title, explanatory text, and images.
  4. Add graphics last for emphasis or decoration.

This order helps you define the main map first, then complete supporting information, and finally optimize the page.