032] How to Set Up Map Layout Editor in Global Mapper (Paper Size & Bounds Guide)

Learn how to configure custom paper sizes and define precise layout bounds for high-quality GIS report illustrations.

This tutorial introduces the Map Layout Editor, a powerful tool that goes beyond basic printing to provide professional cartographic elements. We cover launching the editor, setting up custom dimensions (15cm x 15cm), and using the 'Draw a Box' method with the Shift key to select square map areas.

Although it has a sophisticated name, it should not be expected to produce results comparable to QGIS. It is simply a tool that offers slightly more advanced functionality than basic printing.

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

Before starting the layout configuration, it is important to understand how the Map Layout Editor handles workspace data and page-based output.

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

How to Launch the Map Layout Editor in Global Mapper

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

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

Setting Up a New Map Layout Project

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

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.

Switching to Custom Paper Size

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.)

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

Configure Custom Paper Size (15cm × 15cm)

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.

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

Define Print Bounds Using Draw Box Tool

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

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

The "Select Bounds" window will appear. This dialog should already be familiar from previous steps.

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

Draw Box vs Crop Selection Method

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.

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

Using SHIFT Key for Perfect Square Selection

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.

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.

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.

Finalizing the Map Layout Page

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

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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