XMS Print Layout: Difference between revisions

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[[File:XMS-Layout.jpg|thumb|450 px|Example of the ''XMS Layout'' dialog.]]
[[File:XMS-Layout.jpg|thumb|450 px|Example of the ''Layout Editor'' dialog.]]
The layout tool helps to bring up the current view(s) of the XMS window along with its view parameters. User needs to go to ''File'' menu and choose '''Layout''' menu item to get the ''Layout Editor'' window.
The ''Layout Editor'' dialog, accessible by selecting ''File'' | '''Layout...''', allows information from the XMS Main Graphics Window to be assembled and exported for use in reports and presentations.
 
==Layout Editor Description==
==Layout Editor Description==
Below is a brief explanation of the ''Layout Editor'' dialog's macros, tools, and menus.
Below is a brief explanation of the macros, tools, and menus found in the ''Layout Editor'' dialog.
===Document Toolbar===
* '''Import''' [[File:OpenIcon.png]] – Opens a saved layout (*.mwl)
* '''Export''' [[File:SaveAsIcon.png]] – Saves the layout in a user specific folder.
* ''' Print''' [[File:PrintIcon.png]] – Prints the layout.
 
===Insert Toolbar===
* '''Insert map''' [[File:InsertMap.png]] – Inserts the map control to layout control. It brings the current view of the screen from XMS window.
* '''Insert north arrow''' [[File:InsertNorthArrowIcon.png]] – Adds a north arrow to the selected map control.
* '''Insert scale bar''' [[File:InsertScaleBarIcon.png]] – Inserts a scale bar to the selected the map control
* '''Insert Text:''' [[File:InsertTextIcon.png]] – Inserts a text box.
* '''Insert rectangle''' [[File:InsertRectangleIcon.png]] – Inserts a rectangle on the layout
* ''' Insert Bitmap''' [[File:InsertBitmapIcon.png]] – Inserts a bitmap on the layout control.
* '''Select Tool'' [[File:Selection tool in Layout Editor.png]]
 
===Zoom Toolbar===
* ''' Update view''' [[File:UpdateViewIcon.png]] – Updates the selected map control based on the current view from XMS window.
* '''Zoom map to full extend''' [[File:ZoomMaptoFull-icon.png]] – Extends the layout image object ( to full extend. The object will be extended in full when the image is first brought in. If the ''Size'' or ''Scale'' properties are changed for the layout object, then this command can be used to adjust how the image fits.
* '''Zoom in''' [[File:ZoomInIcon.png]] – Zooms in on the layout control.
* '''Zoom out''' [[File:ZoomOutIcon.png]] – Zooms out from the layout control.
* ''' Fit to screen''' [[File:FitToScreenIcon.png]] – Changes the layout control to fit to screen.
* ''Percentage field'' – Changes the the given zoom level.


===Layout Editor Menus===
===Layout Editor Menus===
[[File:LayoutFileMenu.jpg|thumb|150|''File'' menu in the ''XMS Layout'' dialog.]]
[[File:LayoutFileMenu.jpg|thumb|150|''File'' menu in the ''XMS Layout'' dialog.]]
''File'' menu items:   
''Layout'' menu items:   
* '''Import''' – Opens the saved layout.
* '''Import...''' – Brings up the ''Load Print Layout'' dialog (which is a regular ''Open'' dialog), allowing importing of a saved layout (*.mwl). Note that not all layout items (for example, map items) will look the same across projects.
* '''Export''' – Saves the layout in a user specified folder.  
* '''Export...''' – Brings up the ''Explort Layout'' dialog, allowing savings of the layout in a user-specified folder.
* '''Page Setup''' – This brings up the page setup dialog box.  
* '''Page Setup...''' – Brings up the ''Page Setup'' dialog to allow setting of the paper size, orientation, and margins.  
* '''Print''' – Prints the current  layout.
* '''Print...''' – Brings up the ''Print'' dialog, allowing printing of the layout to the desired printer.


''View'' menu items:
''View'' menu items:
[[File:LayoutViewMenu.jpg|thumb|250 px|''View''  menu ]]
[[File:LayoutViewMenu.jpg|thumb|250 px|''View''  menu ]]
* '''Zoom in''' –  Increases the size of the paper view region from layout control.  
* '''Zoom in''' –  Magnifies for a closer, more-detailed view.  
* '''Zoom out''' – Decreases the size of the paper view region from layout control.  
* '''Zoom out''' – Shrinks the view to be farther out and less-detailed.  
* '''Fit to screen''' – Fits the screen paper view area based on layout control size.
* '''Fit to screen''' – Zooms in or out to show the entire page in the main layout window.
* '''Show margins''' – Shows the margins of the paper control.
* '''Show Margin''' – Shows or hides the margin guide in the main layout window.
* ''Toolbars'' – Submenu with commands to enable or disable the Document, Insert, or Zoom toolbars.
* ''Toolbars'' – Opens a submenu with the following options:
* '''Refresh''' – Redraws the layout control.  
** '''Document''' – Shows or hides the [[#Document Toolbar|Document Toolbar]].
** '''Zoom''' – Shows or hides the [[#Zoom Toolbar|Zoom Toolbar]].
** '''Tools''' – Shows or hides the [[#Tool Toolbar|Tool Toolbar]].
* '''Refresh''' – Redraws the main layout window to the current settings.
 
===Document Toolbar===
* '''Import...''' [[File:OpenIcon.png]] – Brings up the ''Load Print Layout'' dialog, allowing importing of a saved layout (*.mwl).
* '''Export...''' [[File:SaveAsIcon.png]] – Brings up the ''Explort Layout'' dialog, allowing savings of the layout in a user-specified folder.
* '''Print...''' [[File:PrintIcon.png]] – Brings up the ''Print'' dialog, allowing printing of the layout to the desired printer.
 
===Tool Toolbar===
Each of these tools places objects in the main layout window by selecting the desired tool, then clicking and dragging to select the area where the object is to be placed. Once the mouse button is released after clicking and dragging, the desired object is immediately placed within the selected area.
* '''Insert map''' [[File:InsertMap.png]] – Inserts the current content of the XMS Main Graphics Window into the selected area in the main layout window.
* '''Insert north arrow''' [[File:InsertNorthArrowIcon.png]] – Inserts a north arrow into the selected area in the main layout window.
* '''Insert scale bar''' [[File:InsertScaleBarIcon.png]] – Inserts a scale bar into the selected area in the main layout window. Requires selecting a map control.
* '''Insert text:''' [[File:InsertTextIcon.png]] – Inserts a text box into the selected area in the main layout window.
* '''Insert rectangle''' [[File:InsertRectangleIcon.png]] – Inserts a rectangle into the selected area in the main layout window.
* ''' Insert bitmap''' [[File:InsertBitmapIcon.png]] – Inserts a bitmap into the selected area in the main layout window. Opens the ''Open'' dialog for selecting the bitmap.
* ''' Update Current View''' [[File:UpdateViewIcon.png]] – Updates the selected map object based on the current view from the XMS Main Graphics Window. Requires selecting a map control.
* '''Select tool''' [[File:Selection tool in Layout Editor.png]] – Used to deselect the current tool.
* '''Zoom map to extent of data view''' [[File:ZoomMaptoFull-icon.png]] – Adjusts the size of the map image to fit within the extents of the map object box containing the image. Requires selecting a map control.


When the user closes the layout it gets stored in the temporary folder of the current process. However, when the project gets stored the layout file contents moved to saved projected file under "Layout" node.  
===Zoom Toolbar===
* '''Zoom in''' [[File:ZoomInIcon.png]] – Magnifies for a closer, more-detailed view.
* '''Zoom out''' [[File:ZoomOutIcon.png]] – Shrinks the view to be farther out and less-detailed.
* ''' Fit to screen''' [[File:FitToScreenIcon.png]] – Zooms in or out to show the entire page in the main layout window.
* ''Percentage'' field &ndash; Changes the the given zoom level. This is populated with common percentages and reflects the current zoom as determined by the use of the other tools. It cannot be used to adjust the zoom level by entering integers manually. <!--There was text that said the Percentage field should allow for manual adjustments, but that proved to not be the case when tested by Riley Corrigan.-->


When opening a saved project and if the project doesn't have a layout, it brings up an empty layout. But, if the project already have a layout, it shows the saved layout.
When the ''Layout Editor'' dialog is closed by clicking '''OK''', the layout is saved in its current state to a temporary folder. When the project is saved, the temporary layout file is saved as a part of the project file. If a project has a layout associated with it, that layout will be loaded into the ''Layout Editor'' dialog when it is opened. Otherwise, a blank layout will be shown. If a dialog is closed using the '''Cancel''' command or the window is otherwise exited without pressing '''OK''', SMS will not save the work in the ''Layout Editor'' dialog.


==Layout Controls==
==Objects List==
[[File:LayoutControls.jpg|thumb|120 px|Layout controls]]
[[File:LayoutControls.jpg|thumb|120 px|Objects list]]
After inserting any object into the ''Layout Editor'', the object can be selected using the section in the upper right portion of the window. This section displays all objects that have been inserted into the layout. Select an object to make it active by clicking directly on the listed object or using the up or down arrows to cycle through each object in the list. Selecting the delete button will remove the object from the layout.
After inserting any object into the ''Layout Editor'' dialog, the object can be selected using the objects list section in the upper right portion of the window. The objects list displays all objects that have been inserted into the layout. Select an object to make it active by clicking directly on the listed object or by using the ''Up'' and ''Down'' keys on the keyboard to cycle through each object in the list. The display order of the objects can be adjusted using the '''Up''' or '''Down''' [[File:UpDownButtons.png|31 px]] arrow buttons. Clicking the delete [[File:X button.png|14 px]] button will immediately remove the selected object from the object list.


==Object Properties==
==Object Properties==
The lower right portion of the ''Layout Editor'' shows the properties of the active object in the ''Layout Controls'' section. The properties can be sorted using the following command buttons:
The lower right portion of the objects list shows the properties of the active (or selected) object. The properties can be sorted using the following command buttons:
*'''Categorize''' [[File:Categorize Icon.png]] &ndash; Places the properties in categories such as "Layout", "Map", and "Symbol". The options in each category relate to the category title.
*'''Categorized''' [[File:Categorize Icon.png]] &ndash; Places the properties in categories such as "Layout", "Map", and "Symbol". The options in each category relate to the category title.
*'''Alphabetical''' [[File:Alphabetical Icon.png]] &ndash; Displays all properties alphabetically from A&ndashZ without grouping them into categories.
*'''Alphabetical''' [[File:Alphabetical Icon.png]] &ndash; Displays all properties alphabetically from A&ndash;Z without grouping them into categories.
*'''Property Pages'''
 
===General Properties===
===General Properties===
All objects have the following properties in common:
All objects have the following properties in common:
*''Location'' &ndash; This field present two numbers. The first number is the X-axis location of the object. Increasing the ''X'' number moves the object to the right. The second number is the Y-axis location of the object. Increasing the ''Y'' number moves the object down. This property can be expanded to more clearly see the ''X'' and ''Y'' numbers.
*''Location'' &ndash; This field present two editable numbers. The first number is the ''X''-axis location of the object. Increasing the ''X'' number moves the object to the right. The second number is the ''Y''-axis location of the object. Increasing the ''Y'' number moves the object down. Using the arrow icon to the left of ''Layout'', this property can be expanded to more clearly see the ''X'' and ''Y'' numbers.
*''Name'' &ndash; This field shows the current selected object name. The field is editable.
*''Name'' &ndash; This editable field shows the currently-selected object's name.
*''Size'' &ndash; This field present two numbers. The first number is the width of the object. Increasing the ''Width'' number expands the object to the right and decreasing the number reduces the object towards the left edge. The second number is height of the object. Increasing the ''Height'' number expands the object down and decreasing the number reduces the object towards the top edge. This property can be expanded to more clearly see the ''Width'' and ''Height'' numbers.
*''Size'' &ndash; This field present two editable numbers. The first number is the width of the object. Increasing the ''Width'' number expands the object to the right and decreasing the number shrinks the the size of the object toward the left edge. The second number is the height of the object. Increasing the ''Height'' number expands the object down and decreasing the number shrinks the size of the object toward the top edge. Using the arrow icon to the left of ''Size'', this property can be expanded to more clearly see the ''Width'' and ''Height'' numbers.
*''Background'' &ndash; Clicking on the [[File:EllipsesButton.png]] button in this field, the ''Polygon Symbolizer Properties'' dialog is brought up.
*''Background'' &ndash; Clicking on the [[File:EllipsesButton.png]] button in this field, the ''[[Polygon Symbolizer Properties]]'' dialog is brought up.


===Map===
===Map===
The '''Insert map''' [[File:InsertMap.png]] tool is used to place the current image in Graphics Window into the ''Layout Editor''. The tool is used by clicking and dragging in the ''Layout Editor'' to define the area where the map will be displayed. The editor will automatically resize and scale the image to the defined area.
The '''Insert map''' [[File:InsertMap.png]] tool is used to place the current image in the XMS Main Graphics Window into the ''Layout Editor'' dialog. The tool is used by clicking and dragging in the ''Layout Editor'' to define the area where the map will be displayed. The editor will automatically resize and scale the image to the defined area.


The display of the editor can further be edited by adjusting the map properties. The map objects use general properties and the follow map object specific properties:
The display of the editor can further be edited by adjusting the map properties. These are the map object specific properties:
*''Scale''
*''Scale'' &ndash; Adjusts the size of the image inside of the map object. Increasing this value will decrease the size of the image. Decreasing the value will increase the image size. The '''Zoom map to extent of dataview''' tool adjusts this number as well.
*''Bearing''
*''Bearing'' &ndash; The degree away from North of the original image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.
*''Dip''
*''Dip'' &ndash;  The angle of descent relative to a horizontal plane of the image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.
*''Heigth''
*''Height'' &ndash; The original height of the image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.
*''Width''
*''Width'' &ndash; The original width of the image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.


===North Arrow===  
===North Arrow===  
[[File:NorthArrowMenu.jpg|thumb|250 px|Properties of the north arrow]]
The '''Insert North Arrow''' [[File:InsertNorthArrowIcon.png]] tool inserts in the selected location a north arrow associated with a specific map object. When a map gets rotated, the north arrow changes its rotation angle based on the map's bearing angle.


The north arrow binds with the specific map control. When a map gets rotated the north arrow changes its rotation angle based on the map's bearing angle. The following are the properties of the north arrow:  
These are the north arrow object specific properties:
[[File:NorthArrowMenu.jpg|thumb|250 px|Properties of the north arrow]]
*''Color'' &ndash; Contains a drop-down list of colors. Selecting a color will change the color of the north arrow object.
*''Color''
*''Map'' &ndash; This field contains a dropdown list of all map objects in the Layout Editor. Selecting a map object assigns the north arrow to that map. When assigned, the arrow will rotate to match show north on the map.
*''Map'' &ndash; This field contains a dropdown list of all map objects in the Layout Editor. Selecting a map object assigns the north arrow to that map. When assigned, the arrow will rotate to match show north on the map.
*''North Arrow Style''
*''North Arrow Style'' &ndash; A drop-down list of north arrow styles. Styles include: "Default", "Black Arrow", "Center Star", "Triangle N", "Triangle Hat", and "Arrow N".
*''Rotation''
::[[File:NorthArrowStyles.png|thumb|none|180 px|Examples of north arrow styles]]
*''Rotation'' &ndash; Changes the rotation of the north arrow. Normally, the arrow rotation matches the map bearing.


=== Scale Bar ===
=== Scale Bar ===
[[File:LayoutScaleBar.jpg|thumb|right|250 px|Properties of the scale bar]]
The '''Insert Scale Bar''' [[File:InsertScaleBarIcon.png]] tool inserts in the selected location a scale bar associated with a specific map object. The scale of the scale bar and the map controls are user-defined.
The following are the properties specific to the scale bar:
*''Break Before Zero'' &ndash; Default is "False". If set to "True", the center of the scale bare will be "0" and the bar will extend out equal lengths on each side of the "0".
*''Color'' &ndash; Contains a drop-down list of colors. Selecting a color will change the color of the scale bar object.
*''Font''  &ndash; Displays the current font style and size for text in the scale bar object. Clicking on the [[File:EllipsesButton.png]] button in this field brings up a ''Font'' dialog where the font type, style, size, script, and any effects can be selected. Clicking the arrow icon to the left of ''Font'' expands this property. This allows many of the font settings to be modified outside of the ''Font'' dialog.
*''Map'' &ndash; This field contains a drop-down list of all map objects in the Layout Editor. Selecting a map object assigns the scale bar to that map. When assigned, the scale bar will adjust to fit the scale of the map.
*''Number Of Breaks'' &ndash; Indicates how many interval marks will be displayed on the scale bar. Requires a minimum value of "1".
*''Text Hint''  &ndash; Rasterization options for how the text will be rendered. Options include: "System Default", "Single Bit Per Pixel Grid Fit", "Single Bit Per Pixel", "Anti-Alias Grid Fit", "Anti-Alias", and "Clear Type Grid Fit".
*''Unit'' &ndash; A drop-down menu where the scale bar measurement units can be selected. Units options include: "Kilometers", "Meters", "Centimeters", "Millimeters", "Miles,", Yards", "Feet", and "Inches".
*''Unit Text'' &ndash; Indicates how the units are referred to on the scale bar. Currently, this is not updated when the ''Units'' are changed.


The scale bar also connected with map controls. Users are able to choose the scale of the scale bar and also change the map controls. The following are the properties of the scale bar:
The scale bar doesn't support geographic degrees. If the dip is not equal to 0&deg; or 90&deg;, the scale bar doesn't show any scales.
*''Break Before Zero''
*''Color''
*''Font''
*''Map'' &ndash; This field contains a dropdown list of all map objects in the Layout Editor. Selecting a map object assigns the scale bar to that map. When assigned, the scale bar will adjust to fit the scale of the map.
*''Number of Breaks''
*''Text Hint''
*''Unit''
*''Unit text''


[[File:LayoutScaleBar.jpg|thumb|none|left|250 px|Properties of the scale bar]]
=== Text ===
The '''Insert Text''' [[File:InsertTextIcon.png]] tool inserts text in the selected location.


The scale bar doesn't support geographic degrees and also if the dip is not equal to 0&deg; or 90&deg;, the scale bar doesn't show any scales.
The following are the properties specific to the inserted text:
*''Color'' &ndash; Contains a drop-down list of colors. Selecting a color will change the color of the text.
*''Continent Alignment'' &ndash; Determines the horizontal and vertical alignment of the text inside of the text object. The default is to align the text to the upper left side of the text object.
*''Font''  &ndash; Displays the current font style and size for the text. Clicking on the [[File:EllipsesButton.png]] button in this field brings up a ''Font'' dialog where the font type, style, size, script, and any effects can be selected. Clicking the arrow icon to the left of ''Font'' expands this property. This allows many of the font settings to be modified outside of the ''Font'' dialog.
*''Text'' &ndash; Field where the text displayed in the text object can be edited.
*''Text Hint'' &ndash; Rasterization options for how the text will be rendered. Options include: "System Default", "Single Bit Per Pixel Grid Fit", "Single Bit Per Pixel", "Anti-Alias Grid Fit", "Anti-Alias", and "Clear Type Grid Fit".


=== Text ===
*''Color''
*''Continent Alignment''
*''Font''
*''Text''
*''Text Hint''
===Rectangle===
===Rectangle===
Rectangles created in the ''Layout Editor'' use general properties only and do not have specific properties.
The '''Insert Rectangle''' [[File:InsertRectangleIcon.png]] tool creates a rectangle in the location specified. Rectangles created in the ''Layout Editor'' use general properties only and do not have specific properties.


===Image===
===Image===
*''Brightness''
The '''Insert Bitmap''' [[File:InsertBitmapIcon.png]] tool brings up a dialog allowing a bitmap image to be imported into the layout. This is often used for images such as a logo file.
*''Contrast''
 
*''File Name''
The following are the properties specific to the inserted bitmap:
*''Preserve Aspect Ration''
*''Brightness'' &ndash; Increases how light the image appears. Value can be from 0&ndash;255 with the default value being "0" (no additional lightening).
*''Contrast'' &ndash; Increases the difference in color in the image. Value can be from 0&ndash;255 with the default value being "0" (no additional contrast).
*''File Name'' &ndash; Displays the pathname and file name of the imported image.
*''Preserve Aspect Ratio'' &ndash; A drop-down menu with the options "True" or "False". Selecting "True" will keep the image constrained to the dimensions of the imported image. Selecting "False" will change the image dimensions to fit the image object box.


==Related Topics==
==Related Topics==
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[[Category:General Information]]
[[Category:General Information|XMS Print]]
[[Category:GMS Dialogs]]
[[Category:Layout Editor Dialogs]]
[[Category:SMS Dialogs]]
[[Category:Annotations]]
[[Category:Needs Update]]
[[Category:Needs Update]]

Latest revision as of 16:33, 14 March 2022

Example of the Layout Editor dialog.

The Layout Editor dialog, accessible by selecting File | Layout..., allows information from the XMS Main Graphics Window to be assembled and exported for use in reports and presentations.

Layout Editor Description

Below is a brief explanation of the macros, tools, and menus found in the Layout Editor dialog.

Layout Editor Menus

File menu in the XMS Layout dialog.

Layout menu items:

  • Import... – Brings up the Load Print Layout dialog (which is a regular Open dialog), allowing importing of a saved layout (*.mwl). Note that not all layout items (for example, map items) will look the same across projects.
  • Export... – Brings up the Explort Layout dialog, allowing savings of the layout in a user-specified folder.
  • Page Setup... – Brings up the Page Setup dialog to allow setting of the paper size, orientation, and margins.
  • Print... – Brings up the Print dialog, allowing printing of the layout to the desired printer.

View menu items:

View menu
  • Zoom in – Magnifies for a closer, more-detailed view.
  • Zoom out – Shrinks the view to be farther out and less-detailed.
  • Fit to screen – Zooms in or out to show the entire page in the main layout window.
  • Show Margin – Shows or hides the margin guide in the main layout window.
  • Toolbars – Opens a submenu with the following options:
  • Refresh – Redraws the main layout window to the current settings.

Document Toolbar

  • Import... OpenIcon.png – Brings up the Load Print Layout dialog, allowing importing of a saved layout (*.mwl).
  • Export... SaveAsIcon.png – Brings up the Explort Layout dialog, allowing savings of the layout in a user-specified folder.
  • Print... PrintIcon.png – Brings up the Print dialog, allowing printing of the layout to the desired printer.

Tool Toolbar

Each of these tools places objects in the main layout window by selecting the desired tool, then clicking and dragging to select the area where the object is to be placed. Once the mouse button is released after clicking and dragging, the desired object is immediately placed within the selected area.

  • Insert map InsertMap.png – Inserts the current content of the XMS Main Graphics Window into the selected area in the main layout window.
  • Insert north arrow InsertNorthArrowIcon.png – Inserts a north arrow into the selected area in the main layout window.
  • Insert scale bar InsertScaleBarIcon.png – Inserts a scale bar into the selected area in the main layout window. Requires selecting a map control.
  • Insert text: InsertTextIcon.png – Inserts a text box into the selected area in the main layout window.
  • Insert rectangle InsertRectangleIcon.png – Inserts a rectangle into the selected area in the main layout window.
  • Insert bitmap InsertBitmapIcon.png – Inserts a bitmap into the selected area in the main layout window. Opens the Open dialog for selecting the bitmap.
  • Update Current View UpdateViewIcon.png – Updates the selected map object based on the current view from the XMS Main Graphics Window. Requires selecting a map control.
  • Select tool Selection tool in Layout Editor.png – Used to deselect the current tool.
  • Zoom map to extent of data view ZoomMaptoFull-icon.png – Adjusts the size of the map image to fit within the extents of the map object box containing the image. Requires selecting a map control.

Zoom Toolbar

  • Zoom in ZoomInIcon.png – Magnifies for a closer, more-detailed view.
  • Zoom out ZoomOutIcon.png – Shrinks the view to be farther out and less-detailed.
  • Fit to screen FitToScreenIcon.png – Zooms in or out to show the entire page in the main layout window.
  • Percentage field – Changes the the given zoom level. This is populated with common percentages and reflects the current zoom as determined by the use of the other tools. It cannot be used to adjust the zoom level by entering integers manually.

When the Layout Editor dialog is closed by clicking OK, the layout is saved in its current state to a temporary folder. When the project is saved, the temporary layout file is saved as a part of the project file. If a project has a layout associated with it, that layout will be loaded into the Layout Editor dialog when it is opened. Otherwise, a blank layout will be shown. If a dialog is closed using the Cancel command or the window is otherwise exited without pressing OK, SMS will not save the work in the Layout Editor dialog.

Objects List

Objects list

After inserting any object into the Layout Editor dialog, the object can be selected using the objects list section in the upper right portion of the window. The objects list displays all objects that have been inserted into the layout. Select an object to make it active by clicking directly on the listed object or by using the Up and Down keys on the keyboard to cycle through each object in the list. The display order of the objects can be adjusted using the Up or Down UpDownButtons.png arrow buttons. Clicking the delete X button.png button will immediately remove the selected object from the object list.

Object Properties

The lower right portion of the objects list shows the properties of the active (or selected) object. The properties can be sorted using the following command buttons:

  • Categorized Categorize Icon.png – Places the properties in categories such as "Layout", "Map", and "Symbol". The options in each category relate to the category title.
  • Alphabetical Alphabetical Icon.png – Displays all properties alphabetically from A–Z without grouping them into categories.

General Properties

All objects have the following properties in common:

  • Location – This field present two editable numbers. The first number is the X-axis location of the object. Increasing the X number moves the object to the right. The second number is the Y-axis location of the object. Increasing the Y number moves the object down. Using the arrow icon to the left of Layout, this property can be expanded to more clearly see the X and Y numbers.
  • Name – This editable field shows the currently-selected object's name.
  • Size – This field present two editable numbers. The first number is the width of the object. Increasing the Width number expands the object to the right and decreasing the number shrinks the the size of the object toward the left edge. The second number is the height of the object. Increasing the Height number expands the object down and decreasing the number shrinks the size of the object toward the top edge. Using the arrow icon to the left of Size, this property can be expanded to more clearly see the Width and Height numbers.
  • Background – Clicking on the EllipsesButton.png button in this field, the Polygon Symbolizer Properties dialog is brought up.

Map

The Insert map InsertMap.png tool is used to place the current image in the XMS Main Graphics Window into the Layout Editor dialog. The tool is used by clicking and dragging in the Layout Editor to define the area where the map will be displayed. The editor will automatically resize and scale the image to the defined area.

The display of the editor can further be edited by adjusting the map properties. These are the map object specific properties:

  • Scale – Adjusts the size of the image inside of the map object. Increasing this value will decrease the size of the image. Decreasing the value will increase the image size. The Zoom map to extent of dataview tool adjusts this number as well.
  • Bearing – The degree away from North of the original image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.
  • Dip – The angle of descent relative to a horizontal plane of the image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.
  • Height – The original height of the image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.
  • Width – The original width of the image in the XMS Main Graphics Window. Not editable.

North Arrow

Properties of the north arrow

The Insert North Arrow InsertNorthArrowIcon.png tool inserts in the selected location a north arrow associated with a specific map object. When a map gets rotated, the north arrow changes its rotation angle based on the map's bearing angle.

These are the north arrow object specific properties:

  • Color – Contains a drop-down list of colors. Selecting a color will change the color of the north arrow object.
  • Map – This field contains a dropdown list of all map objects in the Layout Editor. Selecting a map object assigns the north arrow to that map. When assigned, the arrow will rotate to match show north on the map.
  • North Arrow Style – A drop-down list of north arrow styles. Styles include: "Default", "Black Arrow", "Center Star", "Triangle N", "Triangle Hat", and "Arrow N".
Examples of north arrow styles
  • Rotation – Changes the rotation of the north arrow. Normally, the arrow rotation matches the map bearing.

Scale Bar

Properties of the scale bar

The Insert Scale Bar InsertScaleBarIcon.png tool inserts in the selected location a scale bar associated with a specific map object. The scale of the scale bar and the map controls are user-defined.

The following are the properties specific to the scale bar:

  • Break Before Zero – Default is "False". If set to "True", the center of the scale bare will be "0" and the bar will extend out equal lengths on each side of the "0".
  • Color – Contains a drop-down list of colors. Selecting a color will change the color of the scale bar object.
  • Font – Displays the current font style and size for text in the scale bar object. Clicking on the EllipsesButton.png button in this field brings up a Font dialog where the font type, style, size, script, and any effects can be selected. Clicking the arrow icon to the left of Font expands this property. This allows many of the font settings to be modified outside of the Font dialog.
  • Map – This field contains a drop-down list of all map objects in the Layout Editor. Selecting a map object assigns the scale bar to that map. When assigned, the scale bar will adjust to fit the scale of the map.
  • Number Of Breaks – Indicates how many interval marks will be displayed on the scale bar. Requires a minimum value of "1".
  • Text Hint – Rasterization options for how the text will be rendered. Options include: "System Default", "Single Bit Per Pixel Grid Fit", "Single Bit Per Pixel", "Anti-Alias Grid Fit", "Anti-Alias", and "Clear Type Grid Fit".
  • Unit – A drop-down menu where the scale bar measurement units can be selected. Units options include: "Kilometers", "Meters", "Centimeters", "Millimeters", "Miles,", Yards", "Feet", and "Inches".
  • Unit Text – Indicates how the units are referred to on the scale bar. Currently, this is not updated when the Units are changed.

The scale bar doesn't support geographic degrees. If the dip is not equal to 0° or 90°, the scale bar doesn't show any scales.

Text

The Insert Text InsertTextIcon.png tool inserts text in the selected location.

The following are the properties specific to the inserted text:

  • Color – Contains a drop-down list of colors. Selecting a color will change the color of the text.
  • Continent Alignment – Determines the horizontal and vertical alignment of the text inside of the text object. The default is to align the text to the upper left side of the text object.
  • Font – Displays the current font style and size for the text. Clicking on the EllipsesButton.png button in this field brings up a Font dialog where the font type, style, size, script, and any effects can be selected. Clicking the arrow icon to the left of Font expands this property. This allows many of the font settings to be modified outside of the Font dialog.
  • Text – Field where the text displayed in the text object can be edited.
  • Text Hint – Rasterization options for how the text will be rendered. Options include: "System Default", "Single Bit Per Pixel Grid Fit", "Single Bit Per Pixel", "Anti-Alias Grid Fit", "Anti-Alias", and "Clear Type Grid Fit".

Rectangle

The Insert Rectangle InsertRectangleIcon.png tool creates a rectangle in the location specified. Rectangles created in the Layout Editor use general properties only and do not have specific properties.

Image

The Insert Bitmap InsertBitmapIcon.png tool brings up a dialog allowing a bitmap image to be imported into the layout. This is often used for images such as a logo file.

The following are the properties specific to the inserted bitmap:

  • Brightness – Increases how light the image appears. Value can be from 0–255 with the default value being "0" (no additional lightening).
  • Contrast – Increases the difference in color in the image. Value can be from 0–255 with the default value being "0" (no additional contrast).
  • File Name – Displays the pathname and file name of the imported image.
  • Preserve Aspect Ratio – A drop-down menu with the options "True" or "False". Selecting "True" will keep the image constrained to the dimensions of the imported image. Selecting "False" will change the image dimensions to fit the image object box.

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