Configuring Map Settings in TerraFlow Data Engine

This guide shows you how to adjust map display and printing settings in TerraFlow Data Engine to customize how features, symbols, and basemaps appear in your workspace. These settings help you optimize your mapping experience for both on-screen work and printed outputs.

Time needed: 5 minutes

Before you start:

  • You must be logged into TerraFlow Data Engine
  • No additional permissions required—these are personal display preferences

Step 1: Access Map Settings

Navigate to the map settings configuration area.

Click Settings on the left pane

Map settings control both your on-screen display and printed output options.

Step 2: Configure Snapping Tolerance

Set how precisely sketch items connect to existing features on your map.

Locate the Snapping Tolerance field user the slider to adjust the tolerance (measured in map units)

What does this do? Snapping tolerance determines how close you need to be to a feature before your cursor "snaps" to it. This is particularly useful when you're extending service lines, adding dimension lines, or placing notes that need to align with specific map features.

A higher value makes snapping easier but less precise. A lower value requires more accuracy but gives you finer control. Start with the default value and adjust based on your prefence.

Step 3: Adjust Visual Display Scales

Control the size of symbols and dimension arrows displayed on your map.

Arrow Scale

Locate the Arrow Scale setting Adjust the slider or enter a value to increase or decrease arrow size

This controls how large dimension arrows appear on your map. Larger arrows are easier to see but may clutter dense areas.

Symbol Scale

Locate the Symbol Scale setting Adjust the slider or enter a value to resize map symbols

This affects all feature symbols (gas mains, valves, etc.). Increase the scale to make symbols more visible on complex maps, or decrease it for cleaner layouts.

Step 4: Select Display Basemap

Choose which background map appears while you work.

Locate the Basemap dropdown menu Select one of the following options:

Option A: OpenStreet Maps

  • Community-maintained street map
  • Shows roads, buildings, and labels
  • Best for: Urban areas with detailed street networks

Option B: Esri Imagery

  • Satellite/aerial photography
  • Shows actual terrain and structures
  • Best for: Rural areas or verification of physical features

Option C: No Basemap

  • Blank background
  • Shows only your data layers
  • Best for: Maximum performance or simplified printing

Step 5: Select Print Basemap

Choose which background map appears in printed outputs.

Locate the Basemap (Print) dropdown menu Select your preferred print basemap:

  • OpenStreet Maps (street map detail)
  • Esri Imagery (satellite imagery)
  • No Basemap (data layers only)

Your print basemap can differ from your display basemap. For example, you might work with imagery on-screen but print with street maps for clearer labels.

Step 6: Set Map Output Format

Choose the file format for exported basemap images.

Locate the Map Output Format setting Select either:

  • PNG - Higher quality, larger file size, supports transparency
  • JPEG - Smaller file size, faster processing, no transparency

Use PNG for final documentation or when image quality is critical. Use JPEG for quick prints or when file size matters.

Click Save or Apply to confirm your settings

Troubleshooting

Symbols or arrows appear too small or too large on the map?

  • Return to Arrow Scale or Symbol Scale settings
  • Adjust in small increments (try 0.5 or 1.0 unit changes)
  • Preview your map after each adjustment to find the optimal size

Snapping isn't working when trying to connect features?

  • Increase your Snapping Tolerance value
  • Ensure you're zoomed in close enough to the target feature
  • Check that the layer you're trying to snap to is visible and active

Basemap not displaying or printing correctly?

  • Verify you have an active internet connection (basemaps require online access)
  • Try switching to a different basemap option
  • If printing without a basemap, ensure No Basemap is selected for Basemap (Print)

Printed maps don't match what I see on screen?

  • Check that your Basemap (Print) setting matches your preference
  • Verify the Map Output Format is appropriate for your printer
  • Remember that print and display basemaps are independent settings

Tips for Success

  • Adjust settings for your task: Use larger symbol scales when working in the field on a tablet, smaller scales when creating detailed documentation
  • Save print settings: If you regularly produce standardized maps, note your preferred print settings (basemap choice and output format) for consistency
  • Test snapping tolerance: The ideal snapping value depends on your map scale and feature density—experiment with different values on a test area first
  • Consider output destination: Use JPEG for email distribution to reduce file sizes; use PNG for archival documentation or when printing high-quality maps

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Need more help? Contact TerraFlow Support at support@terraflow.com or visit the help center at help.terraflow.com