Define a dataset as the map view

The database for the interactive atlas is a collection of datasets that are defined by their geography. For example a dataset of the counties of the state of Georgia contains 159 records. Each record represents one of the 159 counties. Additional information, that describes the county (attributes) is contained in or joined to that record.

The selections in the left menu bar on the first page of the interactive part of the atlas allow the user to define the dataset or map view for analysis. The dataset is referred to as the map view because it defines the extent of the specific map features available for analysis.

• Click on Interactive Atlas at the top of the right menu bar to begin.

Note: If the first page does not load properly then click refresh on the browser menu bar.
Hint: Choices should be made in the order indicated.

• Define the map view by selecting different options from the five dataset categories on the left menu bar.

1. Country.
(e.g., United States)
2. Reproductive health indicator.
(e.g., infant mortality)
3. Data collection time period.
(e.g., 1998–2002)
4. Feature class of the analysis layer.
(e.g., counties)
5. Feature class of the view.
(e.g., state)

Note: Once the "feature class of the view" is chosen, the map image will automatically update to reveal the features available in that feature class. For example, if you choose "state" as the view feature class, then you should see a map of states.

• Click the specific feature on the map for the sixth dataset option (the "target" feature for the map view). For example, if you choose states as the feature class for the view, then you need to select a specific state, such as Texas, as the target view.

The interactive map window will replace the dataset window, and, after a brief pause while the server pulls the dataset, display the default thematic map view. A new left menu bar will offer demographic and risk selections for analyzing the data.

Explore geographic patterns for different demographic and risk groups

• Click on the category drop down menu to view the available selections within a demographic or risk category.
   
• Click on a subpopulation to select it.

Note: Selections for demographic and risk categories must be made in the numeric order of the categories. Changing a selection in one category automatically resets the categories below it to the default.
 
Note:  The text message "” appears at the top of the map when a category selection is changed under the demographics heading.  This indicates that the map display and the demographic selections are not synchronized. The atlas does not automatically redraw the display each time a change is made to allow the user to make multiple changes. However, the user must then manually "refresh" the display to view the changes.

• Click on the the redraw map button to redraw the current map. This is necessary if there are changes in the demographic selections or if the map display becomes corrupted.
  
• Click on the Default map tool to reset the map display to its original extent and the tool functions to inactive.
  
• Click on to display the thematic values in table format.
  
• Click on to choose another dataset to analyze.
  
  
• Toggle between the map and table to analyze both the geographic patterns and the range and distribution of the rates.

Getting additional information

Additional information about individual map features is contained in the layer attribute table. To access this information

• activate the identify option (the tool appears indented when it is active)
  
  
• click directly on the feature on the map display.

A window will pop up with information about that feature.

Note: The attribute files for thematic layers contain the feature name and rate only. Outline layers such as county and state contain selected census information. Line layers contain the information about the line such as a road name and route number. Also, point layers contain the name of the place and limited additional information.

Find a specific map feature

The Find list box is located next to the Find icon on the tool bar. To locate a specific map feature

• Highlight the name of the feature in the drop down list by clicking on it.

The map display will automatically refresh the map and highlight the feature on the map display in bright yellow.

Navigate around the map display

The user can pan, zoom in, and zoom out using the navigation tools on the tool bar.

To Pan the map view

• Click on the Pan tool to activate the function.
  
• Click on the area of the map that you want to be the center of the map display.

The application will automatically center the display based on where the user clicked.

To Zoom in or Zoom out

• Click on the Zoom in tool or the Zoom out tool to activate the desired function.
  
• Click on the area of the map that you want to view closer (zoom in) or farther away (zoom out).

The application will center the display where the user clicked, and zoom in or zoom out proportionally.

Note: The zoom navigation tools perform proportional zoom functions rather than click and drag functions.

Print or save the map or data to your computer

The user can print or save a PDF file of the map display. The user can also print or save a copy of the table display as ASCII text or in a Microsoft Excel file.

To print or save a PDF file

• Click on the Print tool to display the map in a printer friendly PDF format.
  
• Use the Adobe Reader tools to print or save the file to your local printer or computer.

To save the table information

• Right click inside the table format.
  
• Users with Microsoft Office 2002 or higher will have the option of saving the table in Excel format.
  
• Users can also print the file to the local printer or save to an ASCII file by selecting the print option and directing the output to the appropriate printer or file.
  

Page last reviewed: 7/28/08
Page last modified: 1/29/07
Content source: Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion