Function Description
Exporting maps as PDF files is a widely adopted method for map output. Its advantages include:
- Facilitating map sharing with non-GIS users;
- Preserving vector graphics and embedded fonts to ensure high-quality printed materials, making it a crucial exchange format for hard-copy printing;
- Effectively addressing large-format plotting challenges;
Both vector and image maps support PDF export, with output content and display effects maintaining consistency with original maps or layouts. The output results are demonstrated in the following table. For unsupported features, please refer to Unsupported Elements in PDF Map Export.
| Map/Layout | Output Effect |
| Grid Aggregation Map | |
 |
 |
| Heat Map | |
 |
 |
| Transportation Network Map | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| POI Map | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Image Map | |
 |
 |
| Thematic Map | |
 |
 |
Operation Instructions
- When no objects are selected in the current map, right-click and choose Export Map to PDF from the context menu.
- Specify output path and filename in the export properties dialog;
- Maintain default resolution settings.
Higher resolution values generally produce sharper images but increase file size and processing time.
- Define export extent by manually entering coordinate values (top, bottom, left, right) or using quick-set options: Entire Map, Current Window, or Custom Extent.
- Click OK to complete PDF export.
Result Interpretation
During PDF export, vector graphics and text elements remain editable in PDF editors. However, substantial modifications are not recommended - only minor adjustments like repositioning individual labels are advisable.
The PDF preserves the map's layer tree structure and names, but reverses layer order since map layers render from bottom to top while PDF layers draw from top to bottom.
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| Figure: Map and Layer Structure |
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| Figure: PDF Export Result |
Caution: - Missing font files on the current system may cause text rendering differences in PDF exports. For instance, using Microsoft YaHei with bold/italic styles requires corresponding bold and italic font files to be installed.
- For text position discrepancies between map and PDF output, adjust the DPI parameter - higher values improve positioning accuracy.