How to define Legends

A legend is a box on the map that shows what different symbols or colors have been used to represent areas of interest or importance. The text associated with each rectangle identifies the polygons on the thematic map.

The legends editor in SCARTA can determine, through the GIS database, all themes of the project as well as their appearance and associated texts. Therefore, it can automatically associate the legends rectangles and their texts.

Inserting a Legend on a Map:

  • on the Chart Elements Editor window, click on Insert and select Legend. The Insert Legend dialog box is presented;
  • define in Initial Position (cm) the X and Y positions in centimeters (notice that the option of clicking on the drawing area does not work here);
  • choose one of the types of bar available on the list. It is possible to see how each one looks like on the side window;
  • define the Spacing (mm) between the legend items;
  • click on Insert (on the top) and select one of the options: Selected Classes, All Classes or All Categories;

NOTE: the legend items will be placed from bottom to top starting at the Initial Point chosen.

It is possible to change the content of a legend item after inserting it on the map area (see below). This way, a name can be changed only on the map (not on the database category).

Changing Legend Characteristics:

  • in Legend Items: you will see the list of classes already inserted; choose the name you want to change;
  • the selected item is shown on the Text box;
  • delete the old name, type in a new one and click on CR. The name is automatically replaced on the list of Items and on the map as well.

To change other attributes, see how to handle the elements characteristics.

See also:

How to handle legends characteristics
Controlling the localization of elements...

How to Handle Map Elements