Geographic Information System/Final Map Setup
After you have finished your map analysis and are ready to create a final product, switch from data view to layout view. To do this in ArcGIS, look at the bottom left corner of the map and use your mouse to click the layout view button.
MAP SCALE[edit | edit source]
First, you will want to change the size of your map to display. At the top of the page there is a ratio box (Example, 1:1,094,348). To make your features smaller change the ratio so the number is larger (Example, 1:2,034,583). To make your features larger, change the ratio so the number is smaller (Example, 1:793,035). You can click and drag your map around by using the hand tool, located by the magnify glass on the left side on the tool bar.
Next you will need to add a title, legend, scale bar, a north arrow, and your name. Go to the top and click on the Insert tab.
TITLE[edit | edit source]
First, select title. Click the box that appears to type in the box. Give your map a descriptive title that is fitting for the type of information you are showing. (Example title, “Wisconsin Public Fishing Areas”). Click and drag your title to position it on your map. To adjust the text size, font, or to edit your title, right-click the title and go down to properties. A dialog box will appear to change your title features.
LEGEND[edit | edit source]
Second, select legend from the insert tab. The legend should reflect any features you want your audience to be able to identify by color or symbol. The first step is deciding which layers you want to include in your legend. The box on the right displays which current layers that will be added to the legend, the box on the left is all the layers that are in your map. Use the arrows in the middle to add or delete layers from the right-box. Once you have the layers chosen, select next.
Change your legend title to a descriptive title (Not legend or key) (Example title, “Land Features”). You can further edit the text size, and font. Click next.
You can choose if you would like to have a border around your legend and the thickness of the border. You can also change the background color of your legend. Click next.
Next, you can change the sizes of the patches in your legend. (Example, you represent forests with a tree symbol, you can make the symbol larger or smaller in the legend). Click Next.
Lastly, you can edit the spacing within your legend (current settings are usually satisfactory). Click Finish.
Click on your legend and drag it on your map. You can resize the legend by clicking on a corner and dragging it to make it smaller or larger.
SCALE BAR[edit | edit source]
Third, select scale bar. Chose the scale bar you would like on your map by scrolling through the different types and selecting one. Click and drag the scale bar on your map, resize if desired.
NORTH ARROW[edit | edit source]
Fourth, select north arrow. Chose the north arrow you would like on your map by scrolling though the different types and selecting one. Click and drag the north arrow on your map, resize if desired.
TEXT[edit | edit source]
Fifth, select text from the insert tab. A text box will appear in the middle of your map click it and type in your name and any other factors you would like such as the data created. Click and drag the text box around your map. To edit the text, right-click and go to properties.
Finally, with all the basic map elements featured, make sure your layout is to your liking. Make sure to save the document. To finish you will put your map into PDF form. Go to File and go down to export map. Choose a folder and save the map.