Because maps are for sharing, Map Business Online allows business mapping users to save their map views as image files. An image file might be a Jpeg, PNG, or PDF file. Map image files saved as a Jpeg, PNG, or PDF can be attached to an email, inserted into a Word Document or a PowerPoint presentation.
Jpeg and PNG image creation in Map Business Online is easy. First, create the map view you’d like to share with your constituents. Once your business map is to your liking, click the Save Image file button on the master toolbar. That’s the fourth button in from the right – a Blue Globe with a Floppy Disc on it.
Click the Save Image file button and a dialogue process for saving your image appears. Enter a title if you desire one, but it won’t affect the saving process. Choose either the current view or conterminous view. Conterminous means you want to include Alaska, Hawaii, and or Puerto Rico in your image (they will not be placed on the map accurately but will be nestled with a USA map for convenient viewing.) The “current view” is a What You See Is What You Get snapshot of your map.
At the bottom of the dialogue select PNG or Jpeg. PNG is the better choice for graphic artwork. Jpegs have smaller file sizes and may be better for emails. Choose and click Next.
Click Save to move to a Save dialogue. Choose the folder on your laptop or desktop where you’d like to store your map image file. Save the file, using a name of your own choosing, but be sure to preserve the .Jpeg or .PNG file type within the name. Click Save.
Sample Map Business Online Image File
Attach or Insert the Image File
From within an email, you can select Attach File and navigate to your map image file storage location and select the map image. This will place the file in your email. To add a map image to a word-processed document on a PC, select Insert Picture and navigate to your map image file storage location and select the map image.
You could choose to select the entire image and click copy, then paste that image into your word-processed document. I think the insert button option is easier and puts less content in memory.
PC Snipping Tool or Mac Grab Tool
When Map Business Online grabs a snapshot for a Jpeg or PNG file, as described above, it snaps a picture of the map. To grab pictures of Maps that include the Data Window or other Map Business Online dialogue boxes, use the PC Snipping Tool or the Mac Grab Tool. Depending, of course, on which type of machine you use.
I use the Snipping Tool all the time when tech supporting customers. It’s great for capturing images that help users understand processes within the application. These images are easily copied and pasted into emails and word docs, or inserted as noted above.
If you’d like more information on the Snipping Tool and Grab options I have attached this link.
Image File with Dialogues Using Snippet
PDF Printing
PDF saving occurs in the Print Tab. It’s located there because large format PDF files are often used to print wall maps on plotter printers. Saving to large format PDF is a lot trickier than a simple image file save operation in Map Business Online. PDF printing is not a What You See Is What You Get operation.
The business map user must try a variety of adjustments to get the PDF image file exactly the way they want it. That’s because the resulting file is oversized. Expect to apply some trial and error. Read more on PDF printing here. You be adjusting:
- Paper size – Up to five feet by five feet. That’s a lot of map
- Zoom level – Always over zoom your map view to achieve more detail
- Font size – Adjust fonts on map labels and text to be larger if possible
- Map Layer Labeling – Auto label “Start Labeling From” – adjust this control in Map & Data to the farthest out setting to maximize the number of ZIP code and county labels on the map
Public Map Sharing
And just a quick mention of the Map Business Online public map sharing option. Use the fourth button in from the left (a two-person icon) to share interactive web maps with constituents at no charge – up to 1200 maps per year for free.
The public map share allows the shared map viewer to pan and zoom on the map, conduct data queries for export, route using incremental stops or editing shared routes. They can save map files, print and use the measure tool. A great call center solution – where maps need to be shared for critical information. Read more on Map Sharing.
And finally, I’ll mention that for presentations, once you’re familiar with Map Business Online tools you’ll find the application is a powerful way to present. Using the tool to proactively set-up a map for presentation means you can bring data layers and alternate views to bare. You’ll be able to coordinate your map creation with your presentation’s argument. Powerful, fun, and convincing whether you’re focused on sales territory mapping or market analysis.
Win a $20 Gift Card! Refer a business associate to Map Business Online in exchange for a $20 Amazon Gift Card!
Find out why over 25,000 business users log into www.MapBusinessOnline.com for their business mapping software and advanced sales territory mapping solution. The best replacement for Microsoft MapPoint happens to be the most affordable.
Contact: Geoffrey Ives geoffives@spatialteq.com or Jason Henderson jhenderson@spatialteq.com
