Layout Scalebar AddIn - MapInfo_Pro - 2023

The Scale Bar tool lets you add a map scale to your layout in a Layout window. A map scale is used to reference distances on the map.

For information about how to add a tool to the Tool Manager, see Working with MapInfo Pro Tools.

For information about how to add a tool to the Tool Manager, see Working with MapInfo Pro Tools in the MapInfo Pro: Productivity Aids Guide.

Before You Begin

Before you can work with this tool, you must ensure that it is running. For instructions, see Working with MapInfo Pro Tools.

Before you can work with this tool, you must ensure that it is running. For instructions, see Working with MapInfo Pro Tools in the MapInfo Pro: Productivity Aids Guide.

When it is running, this tool adds a Scalebar command to the LAYOUT tab (in the Edit group). Click this command to open the Create Scalebar dialog box, where you can select properties and display styles for the new scale bar. You can preview your selections in the dialog before adding the scale bar to your layout.

You will need to have a Layout window open in MapInfo Pro and have a map on the layout. For instructions on how to do this, see Adding a Map to a Layout.

You will need to have a Layout window open in MapInfo Pro and have a map on the layout. For instructions on how to do this, see Adding a Map to a Layout in the MapInfo Pro: Preparing Maps for Publishing Guide.

Creating a Simple Scale Bar

To add a simple map scale to your layout in a Layout window:

1. On the LAYOUT tab, in the Edit group, click Scalebar to open the Create Scalebar dialog box.
2. From the Link to Map list, select the map to create a scale bar for.

   You can have multiple maps on a layout and you can create a scale bar for each map.

3. Click OK to add a scale bar to the layout using all of the default settings.

Double-clicking on the scale bar in the layout opens the Create Scalebar dialog box where you can then edit the scale bar properties or display style.

Creating a Scale Bar with Specific Properties

To add a map scale with specific properties to your layout:

1. On the LAYOUT tab, in the Edit group, click Scalebar to open the Create Scalebar dialog box.
2. From the Link to Map list, select the map to create a scale bar for.

   You can have multiple maps on a layout and you can create a scale bar for each map.

3. Set the scale bar length. The two values are proportional: the first value is the distance on the paper map, the second value is what the first value represents as a distance on the Earth's surface. Specify the length of the scale bar to a maximum of 34 inches or 86.3 cm on the printed map.
4. Set the scale bar height. This is the distance on the paper map to use for the height of the scale bar.
5. Select the Use Automatic Scaling check box to include a "nicer" scale value on a map. There is a description just below this check box that explains how the current scale bar will be drawn into the map.
6. Select the Add Cartographic Scale check box to include a representative fraction (RF) with the scale bar. In MapInfo Pro, a map scale that does not include distance units, such as 1:63,360 or 1:1,000,000, is called a cartographic scale.
7. Click OK to add the scale bar to the layout.

Changing the Display Style for a Scale Bar

You can set the display style for a scale bar when you are creating it in the Create Scalebar dialog box or after it is already on the map.

To change the display style of an existing scale bar:

1. Double-click on the scale bar in the layout to open the Create Scalebar dialog box.
2. Select a preset scale bar: Check Bar, Solid Bar, Line Bar, or Tick Bar.
   
   

   

   
   
3. Click on the Select Scalebar Font and Font Style button to set the font type, style, and color. Use the slider under the preview panel to adjust the font size.
4. Click on the Select Scalebar Color One to open the Select Color dialog and set the fill color. Click on the color wheel to select a color and use the slider to adjust the transparency of the fill color. For more precision choosing a color, enter RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values or a hexadecimal value in the fields provided. You can also enter a transparency value in the field labeled A (Alpha component); use zero (0) for fully transparent and 255 for fully opaque.
5. Click on the Select Scalebar Color Two to open the Select Color dialog and set the fill color.
6. Click on the Select Scalebar Boarder Color to open the Select Color dialog and set the boarder color.
7. Click OK to apply your style changes.