GIS help: troubleshooting map window

Map Window and Print Copy Troubleshooting

Hairline gaps in map display

Reason: The technical solution of the picture map display. Background: Internally, the map is split up in small pieces, called tiles. They are loaded and re-joined until a given display area is filled. When you zoom in or out, though, the necessary positioning can't always be translated perfectly into a physical screen rendering. The result is an "empty" pixel column or row between two tiles. Solution: Try a slightly different zoom factor to minimize effect.

Map print distortions

Reason: Unfortunate handling by Microsoft® Internet Explorer® when printing a map contained in a frame. Background: Maps are stretched until a given print area is completely filled. Solution: Use the "Print Copy" link in the menu frame to reproduce the current picture map display in an exclusive map window without frames. This, however, won't reproduce symbols and will result into a second loading of required map elements (tiles). Alternatively, consider the "Copy map to clipboard" option in the contextual map menu. You could, for example, paste the copied data into Microsoft® Paint and then print or save it.

Map frame isn't completely filled

Reason: Probably the DPI setting on your computer. Background: You can check the DPI setting on your computer via Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Advanced -> Display: DPI setting. Microsoft recommends to change this dots-per-inch value "to increase or decrease the size of objects and text on your screen". This is often the chosen path to correct the display on modern high resolution screens. However, a different setting than "Normal size (96 dpi)" seems to be a problem for Internet Explorer. Embedded plug-ins like the one used in this application are getting false width and height readings. Solution: Consider changing the DPI value but be aware that this will effect the whole display on your computer.

Print Copy doesn't reproduce the complete map display

Reason: Visible map area is too large. Background: A map display area is filled with pre-cut images, called tiles. This information is handed over to the Print Copy window in the address bar. The available space in the address bar is limited, though. In extreme cases it might not be enough. Solution: Consider the "Copy map to clipboard" option in the contextual map menu. You could, for example, paste the copied data into Microsoft® Paint and then print or save it.