I am confused as to which one is technically the inset figure in the below map. I know an inset map is one which has more detail.
But in this case which one is referred to as an inset map conceptually?
[GIS] Which one is called inset map in this
cartographyterminology
Related Solutions
A few suggestions:
- Add a thin white border to your inset map, to separate it from the main map. In your example, the thin black line doesn't do enough to differentiate the inset from the main map:
- When adding leader lines from the inset map to the inset frame (which shows the extents of the inset map on the main map), do it in Layout view and make sure you have "Snap to grid" turned on, so that the leader lines intersect perfectly with the corners of the inset map and the inset frame. Set the grid to a small increment like 0.1" to give you more leeway to place the inset and leader lines. I'd also consider using a single leader line with an arrow pointing at the inset map, it's less clutter in the main map window and gives you more options for threading the leader line around other main map elements you may not want obscured:
- I'm guessing you're using an Extent Rectangle to make the red inset frame in the example above, and that's why the leader lines don't match up exactly. Instead, just draw a square/rectangle in Layout view using the graphics tools to show the inset extent. It's more laborious, and it won't show the inset's extents absolutely perfectly, but it looks better.
In ArcGIS world we would be talking about basemap:
A basemap is used for locational reference and provides a framework on which users overlay or mash up their operational layers, perform tasks, and visualize geographic information. The basemap serves as a foundation for all subsequent operations and mapping. Basemaps provide the context and a framework for working with information geographically.
A map depicting background reference information such as landforms, roads, landmarks, and political boundaries, onto which other thematic information is placed. A basemap is used for locational reference and often includes a geodetic control network as part of its structure.
The base map is the part of the map I don’t have to make
In contrast, they use term operational information for data that is overlayed on the basemap itself.
WorldAtlas also uses basemap term:
Map on which information may be placed for purposes of comparison or geographical correlation. The term "base map" was at one time applied to a class of maps now known as outline maps. It may be applied to topographic maps, also termed "mother maps" that are used in the construction of other types of maps by the addition of particular data.
Together with Wikipedia (although with 'base map' spelling), Garmin GPS manufacturer, matplotlib Python graphing package, data.govt.nz portal and Swiss Federal Statistical Office just to name a few.
Best Answer
Figure 1 is the inset map.
An inset is always smaller than the primary map. Inset refers (somewhat obliquely) to a position within the page layout. It is typically completely within (ie set within = inset) the primary map, however it can be partially overlapping or completely outside but still on the same page/layout. If it were on another page/layout (ie, opposite side of a foldout map or other page in book form) it might be referred to as an inset but would more properly be called a detail map. Smaller maps on the same page can also be referred to as detail (larger scale than primary) or overview (smaller scale than primary) maps.
What is shown by the inset is irrelevant, because the term refers to the element itself - not the contents. An inset map does not necessarily show more detail. If you just switched the contents of the two figures, Figure 1 would still be an inset but at that point would be referred to as an overview map rather than a detail map. An inset at the same scale as the primary map can also be used to show areas that are separated by some distance from the area covered by the primary map; for example United States plus an inset of Alaska and Hawaii, as Random832 suggests.
Figure 2 would never be considered an inset map.
It already shows up in the Related Questions section, but just to link it a highly related question is How to produce a better inset map? Also, Farid has already linked to the Esri definition. Some other references: