

North America with a graticule of 5 degree intervals. In this post, we’ll modify the graticule three times so it conforms to the edges of the image, so it covers only the Continental United States, and lastly a combination of the previous two modifications. The image below is a map of North America with a graticule drawn at 5-degree intervals. For example, you may want it to cover only the map’s area of interest. In some maps, you may want to limit the area on the map that a graticule covers. Graticules are created in MAPublisher using the Grids and Graticules tool. Tags: page numbers make index artboards index grid indexes map elements layout excel csv Indexing grids and graticules MAPublisher The Difference Between Constraints and Bounds in a GraticuleĪ graticule is the network of lines of latitude and longitude drawn at regular intervals on a map. The introduction of the Include Page Numbers option has enhanced and simplified the map indexing process while meeting the specialized needs of atlas cartographers.

It is therefore very important that the technology and methods used be robust and efficient. Note: streets which span two pages have been highlighted to correspond to the map example.īy necessity, indexes are created towards the end of each project when atlas delivery deadlines are looming. Same portion imported into Microsoft Excel: Portion of the delimited text file output:
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From here, this file can be formatted and refined within a software like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Quark Xpress, etc. Simply click OK twice and your atlas pages will be indexed with the results written to a delimited text file as displayed below. Since a single artboard is being used to map features which span two atlas pages, the Advanced option Include Page Numbers will be enabled with a horizontal page layout dividing the artboard into page 8 and page 9. In this example, streets which span two atlas pages have been highlighted with a yellow background on the map. The feature position will be relative to which page or pages the street falls on while the attribute value will reflect the street’s name. Since we’re indexing streets in this example, we’ll go with the Make index based on feature position and attribute value. With your Index Grid created, access the Make Index tool which will initiate the map indexing process. Additionally, Cell Reference Labelling was enabled and the advanced labelling options were set as displayed. Although the Index Grid option was selected, the Graticules or Measured Grid options can also be used if it better suits your atlas design needs. To start, using the MAPublisher Grids & Graticules tool, generate an Index Grid with one column and one row (1×1). The following is a simple example which demonstrates the page indexing for atlas pages eight and nine found in grid cell B2.Ītlas makers can now index their page numbers as easy as one-two-three! Step 1 Each cell contains two separate map pages numbered two through nine. The atlas is divided into four sections: grid cells A1, A2, B1, and B2.

Cochrane is a town located in Northern Ontario which is not only famous for its mascot Chimo but also for being the hometown of Tim Horton, founder of Canada’s largest coffee chain. Let’s take a look at a basic street atlas of Cochrane that was created using MAPublisher 10.1. This advanced option completely automates the indexing of page numbers while also enabling the indexing of two page maps on a single artboard.įor atlas makers, this new addition will streamline and improve the indexing process making it a key enhancement considering the primary function of an atlas index is to help the user locate features and points of interest on map pages. You will be happy to know that MAPublisher 10.1 makes indexing that much easier with the addition of the Include Page Numbers option to the Make Index tool. However, the proper indexing of map features is often by far the largest individual task when it comes to producing an atlas and can be quite burdensome. Seeing that cartographic content often takes centre-stage, when planning your project it is easy to assume that the map-making process will be the most demanding.
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In short, an atlas consists of a series of maps and an associated index. Whether you’re an experienced atlas maker or embarking on your first project, we all know producing an atlas is no small task.
