How to define Chart Elements Characteristics

When the elements (texts, symbols and legends) are first inserted in the map they might not be presented the way you wish. SCARTA allows you to change their characteristics afterwards.

Defining Elements Characteristics:

  • on the Edit Element window click on Define and select Characteristics..... The dialog box Chart Elements Characteristics will be presented;

This text box is subdivided in three parts: Texts, Legends and Symbols, where you will be able to define each one's characteristics.

There are two options for the elements already inserted in the drawing area: either Update or Retrieve their characteristics, selecting it beforehand.

Updating an Element Characteristics:

  • select the element in the drawing area;
  • click on Retrieve;
  • the element's characteristics will be presented.
  • define its new characteristics;
  • click on Update.

Retrieving an Element Characteristics:

  • select the element in the drawing area;
  • click on Retrieve;
  • the element's characteristics will be presented.

Text Characteristics

Text:

click on the correspondent field and type or change its content.

Height (mm):

click on the correspondent field and type a value for the height in millimeters.

Rotation (degrees):

click on the correspondent field and type a value for the text inclination.

Line Thickness (mm):

click on the correspondent and type a value for the character thickness. This will depend on the line weight thickness of the Plotter or Printer being used.

Spacing:

click on the correspondent field and type a value, that multiplied by the character height, corresponds to the characters spacing.

Color:

click on the bottom Color and select the color you want on the interface presented.

Style:

there are some font types available. Choose the one you want and you will see it on the side box.

ATENTION: a block of selected text will have its content changed if the box (little square) on the left of "Text" is checked and you press Update! There is no UNDO!

Legends Characteristics

Height (mm):

click on the correspondent field and type a value for the legend box height.

Width (mm):

click on the correspondent field and type a value for the legend box width.

Distance (mm):

click on the correspondent field and type a value for the distance between the box and the legend text.

Box Position- Right or Left:

select right or left for the position of the legend box in relation to the text.

Symbols Characteristics

Height (mm):

click on the correspondent field and type a value for the symbol height.

Rotation (degrees):

click on the correspondent field and type a value for the symbol inclination.

See also:

Generating and Printing Maps - Introduction
Learn more anout Cartographic Concepts

How to Handle Map Elements