on 04-14-2016 02:43 PM - edited on 07-27-2021 11:42 PM by APIUserOpsDM
Inset maps, depending on whether they are larger (zoomed in) or smaller (zoomed out) in scale, can provide some valuable detail or point of reference information respectively, while also providing a little more interest to your map at the same time. Creating an inset map is relatively simple, but does require severalsteps to get it to look right. In the example below, we will create an overview inset map (smaller scale) which will allow the map reader to see a much broader area around the main focus of the map, in turn providing a greater area for spatial reference.
To create an inset map, follow these steps:
Bonus Tip!:
One of the standard outputs from the Report Map tool is a field called 'BoundingRect' (Bounding Rectangle). Add the bounding rectangle to the inset map (and format appropriately) to show the extent of the main map. See the red rectangle in the inset of the final map below.
Final Map (bounding rectangle in red):
Things to Consider:
Thanks @TR! Much appreciated and thanks for reading!
I was curious if you could elaborate on how you included the county borders on the insert map. I could not download the workflow because I did not have the necessary items installed on my computer. Thanks!
Hi @D_Bucci. The County layer was added to the map with the Input Data tool. I have the spatial data set and used the County data. If you don't have the spatial data, you could always pull down some free data from the Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-cart-boundary.html).
Does that answer your question?
Thanks!
I appreciate the timely response. Correct me if I am wrong but you are saying that your input data already had spatial info included that draws the county boundaries? Additionally, with the link you provided I am confused as to what files I should be downloading. Any info you can provide to clear up this confusion would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again
Hi @D_Bucci, you are very welcome. This workflow assumes that you have a spatial license with data. This allows for the drawing of drive time trade areas, the base map and the county boundaries, among other things. The free county Census boundaries that I was suggesting can be found here: https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/cbf/cbf_counties.html. In Alteryx, you would open the .shp file.
Thank you,
Dan
Hi everyone. I am looking for the free county Census boundaries but see they are no longer at the link provided. Can anyone help locate where these might be?
Thanks