Adding a Scale bar to a Layout

Keywords: Presentation, map scale, scale bar, distance, printing
Category: Cartographic Design
Software: ArcView 3.2

Problem: How do I add a scale bar to my map?

Description: Your map is in the Layout format and you would like to add a scale bar.
Note:For help on getting your map into the Layout format, refer to recipe Shortcut to moving your map into the presentation stage (using a template)

Methodology:
1) Click and hold the last button on the Layout tool bar.

Selecting the scale bar tool

2) Select the Scale Bar icon

3) While holding down the mouse button, drag the cursor over to where you would like to place the scale bar.

Selecting the appropriate location for your scale bar

Release the button when the rectangle shows the appropriate size. The rectangle indicates the size of the scale bar you are creating.

4) After releasing the mouse button the Scale Bar Properties menu will appear.

Scale Bar Properties window

Select the View within which you would the to display the scale bar. If your view does not appear please See Pitfall 1) Select the style and map units you would like and click ok

5) Your north arrow should appear in the selected location on your map.

Pitfalls:

If your view does not appear you must set the units (meters, feet, miles, etc.) of your view for your map. To select a unit measurement for your map go to the Views section of the project manager window and select View->Properties . Select the map units you would like to use using the distance units pull down bars.

Authored by: Benjamin N. Sprague Modified: 8/27/03