Blog

Large format maps are an indispensable tool in the GIS mapping industry. They offer comprehensive visual renditions of complex geographic areas. But to fully utilise these maps—namely, to organise and analyse the various locations and boundaries of Earth—they must be appropriately sized and fit to scale before being printed.

To resize and print oversized maps, careful scaling techniques must be undertaken. This will ensure that, once printed, the detail in the maps remains of optimal quality and is decipherable by users. In this article, we will uncover the process of scaling oversized maps for print jobs using such techniques. Whether you're a map designer, an architect, or a topographer, understanding the nuances of resizing large format maps is crucial for generating high-quality printouts that effectively communicate geographic information.

Understanding Large Format Maps

Common Applications and Importance of Large Format Maps Across Industries

Issues That Can Arise If Oversized Maps Are Not Properly Scaled for Printing

What Are the Suitable File Formats for Map Printing?

The Recommended Resolution Settings Based on Map Size

How to Determine the Desired Size of a Map Printout

The right size for your map printout depends on the project and where the map will be assembled. Determine the dimensions of the space where the map needs to be presented and how the map's original size ratio (ex: 1:3 vs 1:1 length/width) fits in that space.

How to Determine Map Dimensions

What Are the Most Advantageous Large Format Map Sizes?

What Are Some of the Scaling Techniques for Oversized Maps?

Proportional Scaling to Maintain Aspect Ratio

The Tiling Technique for Dividing Maps Into Printable Sections

Image Interpolation to Resize the Map While Preserving Image Quality

Adjusting Vector Elements (If in Vector Format) Without Compromising on Quality

Creating a Grid Overlay to Scale Each Grid Section Individually

Best Tools and Software to Use for Scaling in Printing

Adobe Photoshop

GIS Software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)

AutoCAD

Illustrator

Large Format Printing Software

Proportional Scale Rule

Large Format Scanners

How to Ensure Print Quality During a Large Format Map Print Job

When you're ready to print your large format map, using the right printer, settings, and format will determine the final quality of your map prints and how the pieces will be assembled based on paper size, margins, and overlap.

Select the Right Printer and Materials for Large Format Printing

Print Preparation: Preparing Colour Profiles and Bleeds

Proofing Your Prints and Conducting Test Prints

GIS map printing is a demanding operation for any printer, even high-end large format printers designed for the purpose. To improve your GIS map printing results, reach out to HP for helpful guidance on GIS map printing solutions.

Sources