034] Global Mapper - Printing 04: Map Layout Editor 03

Please open the file we worked on in the previous session. We will continue from there.

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

033] Global Mapper - Printing 03: Map Layout Editor 02

[img 3 : Comparison of the main workspace and the editor window]

On the left is the main workspace, and on the right is the editor window. Global Mapper allows you to "stitch" (dock) various auxiliary windows to the main workspace. 

In the last session, we added the North Arrow and Scale Bar. Now, let’s briefly explore what other elements can be added.

[img 4 : The Insert menu options in Map Layout Editor]

• Elevation Legend Element: Inserts a color legend for elevation data on the map.
• Image Element: Inserts image files such as logos, symbols, or photos.
• Map Legend Element: Inserts a legend explaining the symbols, colors, and data types used.
• North Arrow Element: Adds a compass indicator.
• Scale Bar Element: Adds a graphical scale bar.
• Text Element: Adds custom text.
• Arrow Element: Adds directional arrows.
• Inset Map Element: Adds a small overview map (useful for showing the context of a zoomed-in area).

Feel free to add these one by one when you have time. It's quite straightforward, though you shouldn't expect high-level design sophistication from them.

Among these, the Map Legend Element is a bit more tedious than the others. I won't go into too much detail here because if you need a truly complex legend, using QGIS is much better due to Global Mapper's limited styling options.

Elements registered through these functions are managed using the Map Element Control Center.

[img 5 : Clicking the Map Element Control Center icon]

Clicking the icon above will display a list of all elements currently registered on the page.

[img 6 : The Map Element Control Center dialog box]

You can change the order of each element, modify their properties, hide them, or delete them. The options are simple enough that you won't find them difficult.

Adding a New Page via Area Features

Next, let's look at adding a page. We will create a specific rectangular area in the main workspace.

[img 7 : Selecting Create Rectangular/Square Area tool]

In the main screen, select Create Area/Polygon Features -> Create Rectangular/Square Area.

[img 8 : Drawing a rectangular area on the map]

Draw an area approximately as shown above. When the Modify Feature Info window appears:

[img 9 : Setting the feature layer to 'Detailed Area']

Select Create New Layer for Feature, name the layer "Detailed Area" (세부영역), and click OK.

[img 10 : The newly created area with default fill]

It’s a bit inconvenient that the area is automatically filled with color upon creation. Let's remove the internal fill. To apply this to all elements in the layer, go to the layer options. To apply it to just one element, right-click the selected element and go to Edit -> Customize Style.

[img 11 : The area with the fill removed]

Now, we will add this specific area as a page in the Map Layout Editor. Select the rectangle you just drew using the Digitizer Tool in the main workspace, then in the Map Layout Editor, select Pages -> Add....

[img 12 : Adding a new page in the Map Layout Editor]

A window for setting the layout of the new page will appear.

[img 13 : Configuring New Layout Options and Bounds]

Set the Paper Size to a custom size (e.g., 12x16cm). Check Bounds, click Select, then choose Crop to Selected Area Feature(s) and check Clamp Crop Area to Loaded Data Bounds. Click OK.

[img 13-1 : Configuring New Layout Options and Paper size]

[img 14 : The selected area successfully registered as Page 1]

As you can see, the selected rectangular area is now registered as a new page (Page 1). Adjusting margins and inserting elements can be done using the same methods we covered previously.

Controlling Layer Visibility per Page

There's something I skipped earlier. It’s convenient yet can be tricky: you might not want to show every layer on every page. For instance, one page might need to show only the road network over satellite imagery, while another shows only contour lines over a DEM.

In such cases, right-click the page and select Select Layer(s)....

[img 15 : Accessing the Select Layer(s) option]

[img 16 : The Select Layers dialog box]

This allows you to exclude unnecessary layers for that specific page. While handy, be careful: as GIS work involves constantly adding, removing, and merging layers, pre-assigning layers to pages early on can lead to mistakes later.

Note: Even if a layer is "on" in the main screen, it won't appear on the page if it's deselected here. Conversely, if a layer is "off" in the main screen, it won't show up on the page even if it IS selected here! Be very careful with this.

It is recommended to use the layer selection feature only after all data processing is finished and all necessary layers are turned "on" in the main screen. This way, you won't have to toggle layers manually every time you switch pages.

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We've taken a broad look at the layout editor. As you might have noticed, it's not exactly "pretty." These elements feel 100% designed by engineers. It's a rigid design concept that hasn't changed despite many user requests over the years.

Personally, I often process the data in Global Mapper and then move to QGIS for the final illustrative and map-finishing work.

That's all for today!