032] Global Mapper - Printing 02: Map Layout Editor 01

From today, we will be covering the Map Layout Editor. The difference between this and the standard "Print" function we discussed previously is that while standard printing simply outputs the workspace as-is, the Map Layout Editor allows you to load the workspace and then add various decorations and elements for a more professional finish.

"Before we begin, if you missed the previous session, check it out here:"

031] Global Mapper - Printing 01: Print


Although it has a grand name, don't expect it to produce results equivalent to QGIS. It's simply a tool that provides slightly better features than basic printing.

To follow along, you can open the print.gmp file from the previous session.

[img 1 : Global Mapper main screen with print.gmp loaded]
[img 1 : Global Mapper main screen with print.gmp loaded]


1. Launching Map Layout Editor

Select the Map Layout Editor icon from the toolbar as shown in the image below.

[img 2 : Locating and clicking the Map Layout Editor icon]
[img 2 : Locating and clicking the Map Layout Editor icon]


2. New Layout Options Setup

A settings window will appear where you can define the layout parameters.

[img 3 : The New Layout Options dialog window]
[img 3 : The New Layout Options dialog window]


  • Template: Select a pre-defined template.
  • Map Layout Definition:
    • Paper Size: Click [Set Up Custom Paper...] to set a user-defined size.
    • Orientation: Choose between Portrait or Landscape.
  • Bounds: Define the boundaries by clicking the [Select...] button.
  • Scale: Enter numbers to specify the scale ratio.
  • Map Center: Select the center coordinates.
  • Select Layers: Choose the specific layers to be printed.

Since we are currently creating an illustration to be included in a report rather than a full-page report itself, click the Paper Size list box and select Custom at the very bottom. (Designing an entire report page within this tool can be quite time-consuming.)

[img 4 : Selecting the Custom paper size option]
[img 4 : Selecting the Custom paper size option]


3. Configuring Custom Paper Size and Units

Change the units to Centimeters. Considering the report margins and the shape of the map, enter 15 for both width and height, then click OK.

[img 5 : Setting paper width and height to 15cm]
[img 5 : Setting paper width and height to 15cm]


4. Defining the Print Bounds

Now, we need to set the range of the printout. Check the Bounds option and click Select....

[img 6 : Checking the Bounds option in layout settings]
[img 6 : Checking the Bounds option in layout settings]


The "Select Bounds" window will appear. You've seen this screen many times before.

[img 7 : Select Bounds window - Export Bounds options]
[img 7 : Select Bounds window - Export Bounds options]


To define the area directly on the screen, choose Draw a Box. If you already have a polygon selected on the main screen, you could use Crop to Selected Area Feature(s). For now, let's go with Draw a Box.

[img 8 : Drawing a selection box while holding the SHIFT key for a square area]
[img 8 : Drawing a selection box while holding the SHIFT key for a square area]


The selection screen appears. As noted at the top of the window, hold down the SHIFT key while dragging to select a perfectly square box. Select the area encompassing the map elements and click OK.

[img 9 : Confirming the Current Projection coordinates]
[img 9 : Confirming the Current Projection coordinates]


You will return to the Select Bounds window. You'll see that "Current Projection" is checked and the coordinates we just defined are automatically entered. Click OK.

[img 10 : Final review of layout options before proceeding]
[img 10 : Final review of layout options before proceeding]


The boundary values are now populated in the main layout options window. Click OK once more.

5. Finalizing the Layout Page

The map we just configured has now been registered as a single page within the Map Layout Editor.

[img 11 : The Map Layout Editor interface showing the newly created page]
[img 11 : The Map Layout Editor interface showing the newly created page]


In this manner, you can register multiple pages with various scales and positions for future use. While I may have been critical of the Map Layout Editor's limitations, it is quite sufficient for basic map presentation and "keeping up appearances."

We will continue with more detailed features in the next session. 

That's all for today!

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