Basic Map Layout Checker
A final-size map layout review: print vs web checks, a scale-after-resizing panel (effective 1:N), north convention and CRS as critical items.
Project and review scope
A layout review record for one map at its final delivery size — print, web or both. It records what a person checked; it does not inspect an image file and is not a publication approval.
Scale at the final size
A ratio such as 1:25 000 is only true at the size the map was drawn for. A bar scale grows and shrinks with the artwork, so it survives resizing — but it still has to be readable.
- Note: State which scale forms the map shows (ratio, bar).
- Check: North convention not stated (true, grid or magnetic) — an ambiguous north arrow is a critical finding.
- Check: Coordinate reference not stated in the project fields.
Review status: Not reviewed
Review progress 0 of 26 applicable rows verified (0%)
Outstanding critical findings
- North reference declared: true, grid or magnetic — Not started
- Meaning of scale after resizing verified — Not started
- Datum and projection stated — Not started
Review rows
Purpose and extent
0/3 verifiedLocality or area covered
Purpose and audience recorded
Extent covers the area of interest
Title and identity
0/4 verifiedMap title
Clear, specific, at the top.
Author / surveyor
Date produced
Sheet / edition number
Scale and north
0/4 verifiedScale - ratio and bar scale
Record which scale forms appear. A ratio alone stops being true once the map is resized; a bar scale resizes with it.
North arrow
North reference declared: true, grid or magnetic
Critical
Meaning of scale after resizing verified
Critical
Coordinate reference and grid
0/3 verifiedCoordinate / grid lines
With grid values labelled.
Datum and projection stated
e.g. GDA2020 / MGA Zone 50.
Critical
Units stated for coordinates and distances
Legend and symbols
0/2 verifiedLegend / key
Consistent symbols and line styles
Labels and readability
0/1 verifiedLegible, non-overlapping labels
Source, credit and licence
0/3 verifiedData source / credit
Where the data came from.
Disclaimer / accuracy note
Source licence and date recorded
Print output
0/2 verifiedMargins and safe print area checked at the output size
Bar scale and smallest text legible on the printed sheet
Web output
0/2 verifiedZoom, pan and scale display behave as expected
Text alternative, contrast and keyboard access checked
Final-size review
0/2 verifiedFinal output-size review completed
Final-size review record: who, when and at what size
A record of the review at the delivered size — nothing is uploaded.
Add your own row
Keep, share and print
Nothing leaves your browser. Saving on this device is optional and only happens when you press it.
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Record the map title, purpose, audience, output size, print or web mode, scale, north convention, CRS, source date and author/revision.
- Review each section at the map's final delivery size — print mode adds margin and safe-print-area rows, web mode adds interaction and accessible-text rows.
- Use the scale panel to say which scale forms the map shows and whether it is resized, then export, print or copy the review record.
How it works
A ratio scale (1:N) is only true at the size the map was drawn for. If artwork drawn at width W₁ is output at W₂, the effective denominator is N × W₁ ÷ W₂ — so a ratio-only map that is resized or viewed on screen is flagged for a scale recheck.
A bar scale grows and shrinks with the artwork, so it survives resizing, but it still has to be legible at the final size. A missing coordinate reference, ambiguous north or misleading scale stays a critical finding however many other rows are verified.
Hidden print- or web-only rows keep their answers in the record. The tool records your review; it does not inspect an image.
Worked example
An A3 map printed on A4. A map drawn at 1:25 000 for a 420 mm-wide A3 sheet and printed fit-to-page at 297 mm has an effective scale of 25 000 × 420 ÷ 297 ≈ 1:35 354. With a ratio-only scale the panel flags “Recheck the scale”; adding a bar scale clears that finding, leaving a reminder to check the bar is legible on A4.
Frequently asked questions
What has actually been checked?
Only what a person marked Verified, with the evidence they recorded. The tool does not open or measure your map file — the final-size review is your record of looking at it.
Can I use my own project requirements?
Yes. Record your client or publisher layout rules in the project fields and custom rows. Add your own rows (they get stable IDs), and mark rows that do not apply as Not applicable with a reason.
Does a complete checklist prove the work complies?
No. “Ready for reviewer” is your declaration that every applicable row is verified. Publication standards and client acceptance decide that, not this record.
Why does a ratio scale need rechecking after resizing?
Because 1:25 000 describes a specific printed size. Shrink the map to 70 % and every distance on paper shrinks too, so the stated ratio is wrong. A bar scale shrinks with the map.
Is this official course material?
No. It is free study support mapped to surveying course levels — not official North Metropolitan TAFE content or advice. Always follow your lecturer and the official assessment brief, and check your own working.
Related tools
- Map Purpose and Audience Checklist
- Map Scale Bar Builder
- Map Scale from Known Distance Checker
- Symbology Consistency Checker
- Scale Converter
- Survey Plan Title Block Checklist
Explore more in Surveying, Coordinates, GIS & CAD.
Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Basic Map Layout Checker. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/basic-map-layout-checker/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
Designed to run locally in your browser. Tool inputs are not intentionally stored by Zerdly unless stated otherwise.