Exporting Maps to PNG
The Map Export feature produces maps for use in print and on screen. You can configure map orientation, dimensions, and resolution, and specify all the elements needed for a standalone map, including a title, legend, north arrow, scale bar, and logo. Full maps containing these elements are exported to PNG format. This article describes the map export options, and guides you through the basic steps of how to export a map to PNG.
You can also export maps to scalable vector graphics (SVG) format for detailed mapmaking in Illustrator or other vector graphics editing programs. An SVG export is a single file that includes all map layers, symbolized and at the same extent as they appear in the map export view. SVG files, in turn, can be exported to PDF format. For more information, see Exporting Maps to SVG.
Map exports use the Web Mercator projection, the same as that used by the user interface. Spatial data exports use the WGS84 projection.
Map export options allow you to specify map orientation, size, resolution, scale, and view; a map title; a map legend; a north arrow; a scale bar; a logo; and base map visibility.
Orientation options include Portait (vertically oriented) and Landscape (horizontally oriented).
Print size options include 8.5" x 11" (Letter) and 11" x 17" (Tabloid). Display image sizes include 900px x 1,600px and 600px x 800px.
Maps can be exported at print or screen resolution. Print resolution is 300 PPI. Options for screen resolution include 144 PPI and 72 PPI.
To create maps at larger sizes and higher resolutions, you have the option of exporting maps to scalable vector graphics (SVG) format for use in Illustrator or other graphics programs. See Exporting Maps to SVG for details.
You can also export individual layers to SVG format. See Exporting Layer Data for more information.
The map area will be determined by your orientation and print or screen size selections. To fine-tune your map view, you can pan and zoom manually using your mouse. You can also enter a custom map scale.
Saving your view as a map position is recommended. Saving a map position from the Map Export window enables you to recreate maps for the same view. Recalling the same view requires that you use the same map size and resolution settings used when the map position was created. Due to variations in map dimensions and scales, map positions created via the main interface may not yield consistent results for map exports.
Expand the Map Position menu and select Save current position to save. Enter a name and set the scale, if desired. Click Ok to save.
To return to your map view in the future, select it from the menu. Ensure that your map size and resolution options correspond to the original position.
Legend placement. You can include a legend on the map page, as a separate file, or not include one at all. If you choose to include the legend as a separate file, your map export will consist of a zip file containing separate PNG files for the map and legend.
Layers to include in the legend. Use the checkbox controls to turn legend entries for layers on or off. Entries appear in the same order as the layers in the map. By default, all layers that are set to be visible in the Layers list are included and turned on. De-selecting layers will remove their entries from the legend, but they will still appear on your map.
Note that every time you open the Map Export window, the layer selection will be reset to match the visibility settings indicated in the Layers list.
Classes to include in the legend. This option applies to all layers with categorical classes. Selecting All classes includes the full list of classes whether or not they appear on the map. Selecting Only visible on map allows you to have a more compact, representative legend. The default setting is to include only visible classes. For layers with numeric classes, all classes must be shown.
For reference, the map legend and title use the Roboto font.
The map title appears in the upper left corner of your map. Including a title is optional.
You can select from the available logos or upload a new logo. To upload, select Upload a new logo from the Logo menu. Then, drag an image file to the window as indicated, or click to choose a file using your file explorer. Any image you upload will be available for all members of your organization, in all projects.
The logo appears at the lower left corner of the map.
The north arrow appears in the lower right corner of the map.
The scale bar appears in the lower right corner of the map, next to the north arrow (if included). The distance is expressed in miles.
You can choose to include or exclude the base map in your map export using the checkbox control.
To export a map to PNG:
1. Style your map as desired. You'll have the opportunity to adjust the map layout view later.
2. Click the
Export button that appears above the top right corner of the map. The Export button is accessible from Explore, Build, or Analyze modes.
The Map Export window appears.
3. Set your map orientation, size, and resolution.
4. Pan, zoom, and set a map scale to adjust your map view.
5. Save your map position.
6. Specify settings for a map legend. You can select the layers to include, as well as categorical classes according to their visibility on the map.
7. Include a map title, if desired.
8. Include a logo, if desired. If needed, you can upload a custom logo.
9. Include a north arrow and scale bar, if desired.
10. Select whether to include the base map or not. The base map is included by default, but you can turn it off.
11. Select the PNG export option at the top left corner of the window.
12. Click Export to export your map. Exporting your map will take time depending on its scope. When complete, you will be prompted by a notification to download your map.
13. Click Download in the notification bar. A PNG file for your map, or a zip file containing PNG files for your map and legend, will be downloaded to your computer.
​Creating Map Snapshots​
​Using Map Positions​
​Exporting Maps to SVG​
