You've made the perfect map; data layers are customized, map is zoomed to your location, and data points have been added and filtered. Now you want to share this wonderful map with others. The icons on the top right of the map allow you to save and share your maps and the data they contain.
Print - The print function allows users to download a map as an image file to save offline. The image files can then be used in a document like a Word or PowerPoint file or simply printed out as a hard copy. Selecting the print icon will open a window with options for your printout.
- Filename - Change the name of the file to be downloaded.
- Text size - Increase the font size of the map title, data description, and legend text.
- Landscape or Portrait - Choose the orientation of your map.
- PDF or PNG - Each format offers a different use but either can be used in an electronic document like Word or PowerPoint. PNGs are graphic files that offer more customization options like re-sizing, cropping, or scaling.
- Title - Edit the map title, or remove it completely from the exported map.
- Include legend(s) - Remove the legend (or legends) from the exported map.
- Data layer description - Insert and edit the data description with details about the map.
- Cut out selected location(s) - This gives you the ability to export a map which will only shade in the selected area; sometimes called "island printing." Learn more about how island printing works.
- Include info bubble - Add or remove the info bubble if it's displayed on the map.
- Add print margins - This adds a 1/2 inch margin around the map area.
After you have selected the Export button, the file will download directly to your computer through the browser.
Download Data - The download data feature gives users the ability to download any public data currently loaded. There are 3 different types of data that can be downloaded:
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- Layer: data for areas like tracts, counties, and states
- Points: address level data
- Points with Layer Data: address/point data joined to a geography and layer data
Check out the tutorial on the Download Data tool.
Tables and 3-Layer Maps offer additional options to download data, with See Values for data layers, See List for data points in Tables, and Download Layers and Download Points for 3-Layer Maps.
Save - Saving a map will save the location, data layer, and any point data added. You can customize the name by editing the title or opt for the default name. Saved maps can be loaded from My Saved Work.
My Saved Work - My Saved Work is where all your saved work from throughout PolicyMap can be opened. Reopening the saved work will automatically open the most recent updated data.
Saving a report will save a copy as a PDF file. Saving a list will save a copy as a CSV file. These allow you to reload the data for that period, regardless of whether it has been updated.
Share - The share feature allows users to share maps with other PolicyMap users or the public in a variety of ways. Please note: Users cannot share maps that have subscriber-only datasets.
Link - The link feature allows users to quickly create a URL link to share a map with others. This link will open to the exact location of the map with all the data and any customization added to the data.
Email - The email feature sends a link to any recipients, even if they aren't a PolicyMap subscriber. Users can include a message with the link.
The recipient will receive an email with a unique URL. The URL will take them to the exact map that was shared: zoomed to the same location with data layers and/or points added, and any filters placed.
Embed - The embed map feature allows users to add an interactive map to their own website or forum. Embedded maps have many of the same functions as the Maps tool; users can pan around the map and select a point or layer for more information.
Users can choose one of the three default size options or enter a custom size that best fits their needs. A map title and legend are optional.
Embedded maps are delivered as an "iframe code," so the HTML for an embedded map could look like this:
<iframe src="https://www.policymap.com/embedmap_dyn?lqid=237782" named="embeddedmap" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" frameborder="0" width="1024" height="500" >Click here to interact with map.</iframe>
And the interactive map would then appear like this on your website (click onto an area on the map or pan around);
There are some limitations with the embed map feature:
- Only publicly available data layers and data points can be embedded.
- Subscription features like custom regions cannot be embedded.
- Subscribers that use the Data Loader can embed a map with their own data! When setting up the dataset, set access to Publicly Shareable.
Social - The social feature allows users to share maps on their Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn pages. These shared posts will have an image of the map and data, link back to PolicyMap, and let users add additional text.
The ability to print and save is universal throughout the PolicyMap tool. Users can print and save Tables, Reports, and 3-Layer Maps. The ability to share is only available on the Maps page for now, while Download Data is available in Maps, Tables, and 3-Layer Maps.
If you have any questions or want to lean more, visit our training calendar and attend a free session or contact us at any time.
To read a full guide on all features on PolicyMap, please look at our Primer available here.