Hello! I’m ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.
This is the 15th installment of the “SuperMap iDesktopX Product and Feature Introduction Series: 5 Minutes.”
Last time, we explored the map tile technology that enables high-speed web map display. This time, we’ll focus on the functionality for creating “maps as drawings”—one of the most important final outputs of GIS projects.
Specifically, we’ll introduce the layout, typesetting, and printing functions that are essential not only for analysis and visualization, but also for clearly and accurately communicating information to map readers.
In many GIS projects, the final deliverables are paper maps or PDF d0cuments. To produce these, it’s not enough to prepare accurate spatial data alone—you also need to carefully arrange map elements such as titles, legends, scales, and north arrows to create drawings that are easy for anyone to understand.
SuperMap iDesktopX provides a comprehensive set of layout tools to meet these needs.
Figure: A professional atlas created using the layout function of iDesktopX
1. Layout Basics: Arranging Map Elements
iDesktopX offers a dedicated workspace called the Layout Window, which is separate from the map view. In this canvas-style environment, you can freely arrange all elements needed for a finished map.
(1) Map Placement
First, place the main map onto the layout. You can also add multiple maps—such as an overview map and a detailed inset—within a single layout.
(2) Marginal Elements (Map Decorations)
Using the “Draw Objects” tab, you can easily add essential map elements:
Legend
Explains the meaning of symbols used in the map. When added, the legend is automatically generated based on the map content.
Scale
Both numerical scales (e.g., 1:25,000) and graphical scale bars are supported.
North Arrow
Indicates map orientation. Multiple design templates are available.
Map Title and Text
Freely add titles, annotations, and notes, with full control over fonts and styles.
2. Layout Templates for Efficient Work
Creating a layout from scratch every time can be time-consuming. To improve efficiency, iDesktopX provides a variety of layout templates with preconfigured borders and marginal elements.
By selecting a template suited to your task—such as land-use planning maps or cadastral survey sheets—you can quickly insert your own map and generate standardized outputs. You can also save your customized layouts as new templates for future reuse.
3. The Powerful “Map Series” Feature for Batch Output
Map Series is one of the most powerful layout features in iDesktopX. It automatically generates a multi-page atlas (map book) by applying the same layout while sequentially changing the map extent.
(1) Typical Use Cases
Administrative-area hazard maps
For example, by defining town-level polygons in Minato Ward, Tokyo, as an index layer, the system can automatically generate pages such as “Akasaka 1-chome Map” or “Roppongi 3-chome Map.”
Route maps
Detailed maps can be generated continuously along railways, roads, or pipelines.
(2) Dynamic Text
Dynamic Text works seamlessly with Map Series. Text elements can automatically update for each page by referencing map attributes—for example, displaying “Current Area: Akasaka 1-chome” without manual editing.
4. Outputting the Layout
Once the layout is complete, it can be output in multiple formats:
(1) Export as Image or PDF
Layouts can be exported as high-resolution files in formats such as PNG, JPEG, and PDF—ideal for reports, presentations, or digital sharing.
(2) Printing
Layouts can also be sent directly to printers or large-format plotters. Print preview allows you to fine-tune paper size, orientation, and other print settings before output.
Summary
In this installment, we introduced the layout, typesetting, and printing functions that transform GIS data into polished, professional map drawings. Beyond simply displaying maps, these tools allow you to add legends, borders, titles, and other essential elements to produce outputs suitable for reports and presentations.
In particular, the Map Series function—designed for efficient batch map production—can dramatically improve productivity in routine cartographic workflows.
In Part 16, we’ll step into the future:
“GIS Gets Smarter! Introducing the AI Assistant.”
We’ll explore how AI supports GIS operations through natural language interaction. Stay tuned!
For source and sample code: https://supermap-japan.blogspot.com/2025/09/15idesktopx.html
