How to Make a Map – Intermediate Tutorial

This tutorial will teach you how to use Basic Query, Place Finder, and Download a Map. These functions will be demonstrated by creating a map showing the EPA Superfund sites around the Scottsdale Fashion Square Shopping Center.

If at any time you encounter an unfamiliar term, please consult our Glossary.

First, select the map theme Environment and Population. Then open the Areas folder, and turn on the EPA Superfund Sites layer. (For help, see How to Make a Map – Basic Tutorial on Selecting Layers.)

Basic Query

The Basic Query function can be used to identify and zoom in on a particular city, such as Scottsdale.

Click in the Data Toolbar, and the Basic Query pop-up window will appear.

This page displays the three available query categories: Search for a County Name, Search for a City, and Search for a Congressional District. Select .

TIP: It is important to know the format of the data you are seeking. For example, the Search for a Congressional District queries requires that you enter a specific number between 1 and 6. To Search for a City or Search for a County Name, you can enter all or part of the name of a particular city, town, or county.

Type in “Scottsdale” for the city name and click . A Search Results window will appear.

You can find the city name for which you searched (in this case “Scottsdale”) in the NAME field. Now click on the left to view the search results on your map.

The map zooms to the city of Scottsdale which is highlighted in green. You may now close the Query Results screen.

Place Finder

Place Finder is another tool you can use to search for a variety of locations.

Locate the Place Finder tool in the Data Toolbar at the lower left corner of your screen. To locate the Scottsdale Fashion Square Shopping Center, enter a Name ( “Scottsdale”) and a Type of location (maintain the default “Any Type”), and click .

A Search Results window will appear.

TIP: If the Query Results table includes more than one result for the name you have entered, click next to the feature you wish to map. Then, a second Query Results window will appear displaying more specific information for that particular feature.

Look in the NAME field to find “Scottsdale Fashion Square Shopping Center.” Click to the left of “Scottsdale Fashion Square Shopping Center.” A second Search Results window pops-up with more detailed information.

Now, minimize or close the Search Results window to see the entire map.

A red dot labeled “Scottsdale Fashion Square Shopping Center" will be displayed at the center of your map.

Download Map

The Download Map feature allows you to save your map to a desired drive.

First, click in the General Toolbar, and a Download Map Image Disclaimer window will appear.

After reading the disclaimer, click to continue. Then the Download Map Options window appears.

Maintain the default Map Size at 300X300 pixels for a manageable map size. (You could select a larger pixel size if you wish, up to 700 x 700). Next, enter a Title for your map (Sample Two) and the Creator's name (Atlas Tutorial). Check the boxes for Current Date, Legend, and Overview Map if you would like this information saved with your map. Then click .

Read the download procedure for each type of browser. Click  to download the map to the desired drive. The File Download window then appears.

Click . The Save As window will appear.

Select where you would like to save the file, such as Desktop, in the Save In box. You can change the File name if you wish in the File Name box.

Click to begin downloading the map.

Click when download is complete. Or, if you selected and return to your file at a later time, you must first locate the MapOutput zip file on your desktop to open it.

In either event, you will first need to un-zip your file before you can use it. There are several software applications that can unzip a zip file, such as CoffeeCup Zip Wizard, WinZip and PowerArchiver. The University of Arizona Library uses CoffeeCup Zip Wizard, which will open automatically when you open your file.

Click . A window displaying the contents of your Arizona Electronic Atlas file will appear.

Click . A window will appear directing you to select a Destination Folder for your map.

After selecting your Destination Folder, select “All Files” to un-zip. Then click .

When CoffeeCup Wizard has un-zipped your file, you will see an Un-zip Complete window.

Click to view the files inside the folder. A Map Output window will appear.

These files include the main map, the overview map, the legend, and the text. 

A MapOutput folder will now appear on your desktop.

If you would like to learn how to insert your map into a Word document or Power Point, go to Using an Atlas Map in Word or Power Point.