Spectrum - Annotations for a Printable Map

This guide explains how to add various annotations—polygons, points, and text boxes—to create a map suitable for PDF export or printing. The example scenario is marking a party area on Kingston Beach and indicating the beach access point.

Step 1: Getting Started

• Objective: Mark a party area on Kingston Beach and show the access point.

  Annotations Used:

  • Polygon: To outline the party area.
  • Point: To mark the beach access location.
  • Text Box: To label nearby roads.

Step 2: Navigating to the Location

• Access the View:
  • Go to the top-right menu and select the “Kingston Beach” view.
  • This view zooms into the area of interest on the map.

Step 3: Creating a Polygon for the Party Area

• Start Polygon Annotation:
  • Click the plus button in the top-right to access annotations.

  • Select Polygon.

    Draw the Polygon:

  • Click on the map to mark the vertices outlining the party area.

  • Double-click to finish the shape.

    Layer and Rename:

  • Open the Layers panel in the top-right.
  • Locate the new polygon under the “Annotations” folder.

  • Rename the layer (e.g., Party Area).

    Note: The name appears in the legend later.

    Style the Polygon:

  • Change the colour (e.g., choose a neon green) for clear visibility.

Step 4: Marking the Beach Access with a Point

• Add a Point Annotation:

  • Click the plus button in annotations.

    Select Point and click on the map where the beach access (ramp/staircase) is located.

    Customise the Point:

    Open the Layers panel, select the point, and rename it (e.g., Beach Access).

    In the Style tab:

    • Change the default icon (e.g., to a yellow gold star).
    • Increase the icon size (adjust up to a maximum of 64, or set it to around 50).

Step 5: Adding and Styling Text Annotations

• Insert a Text Box:
  • In the annotations menu, press T or select the text box tool.

  • Click where you want the text to appear (e.g., near the road).

    Edit the Text:

  • Type the label (for example, Osborne Esplanade).

    Adjust Text Orientation:

  • Access the properties to adjust the rotation of the text, aligning it with the road.

  • Use the move tool (three dots icon) to reposition the text as needed.

    Style the Text:

  • Open the Style tab.
  • Change the font style, increase font size, and adjust rotation (e.g., from 45 to 40 degrees for a better look).

Step 6: Finalising and Exporting the Map

• Preview the Map:
  • Click Print Preview to see how your map will look.
  • Verify that the annotations (polygon, point, text) and the legend display correctly.

  • Note: The legend will include all annotation names, including text labels like Osborne Esplanade.

    Select Layout Options:

  • Choose a template (e.g., four landscape legend) if a different layout suits your needs.

  • Optionally adjust the scale manually.

    Add a Title:

  • Enter a title for the map (e.g., Map 4-2).

    Export to PDF:

  • Once satisfied with the layout, click Export PDF.
  • The PDF will be created and saved to your downloads, ready for sharing or printing.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively annotate a map in Spectrum Spatial. Whether marking a party area or highlighting critical points of access, these tools allow you to create a detailed, shareable map with an easily interpretable legend. For additional help or questions, consult further resources or contact support.