Creating a Map

First, we'll create a map with multiple layers. A map frame or map object is a frame with four axes and a coordinate system. Data is visualized in one or more layers that have been added to the map frame. Maps are created by selecting a layer type and choosing the data, grid, image, or vector file. This action adds a new map with a single layer to the plot window.

Select a map type and data file to quickly create a map.

Add a contour map to the empty plot.

  1. Click the Home | New Map | Contour command.
  2. In the Open Grid(s) dialog, navigate to the sample files folder (C:\Program Files\Golden Software\Surfer\Samples by default).
  3. Select the Diablo.grd grid file.
  4. Click Open.

The Diablo.grd sample file is a grid file with the topography of the southern face of Mt. Diablo in California. Most maps in Surfer use grids for input data. However, we'll add two more layers that use different data files to the map frame. Next, add a post layer.

  1. Select the Map frame in the Contents window or click the map in the plot window.
  2. Click the Home | Add to Map | Layer | Post command.
  3. Select the Diablo Example.dat sample data file.
  4. Click Open.

The Diablo Example.dat sample file is a tabular data file with XYZ coordinates for various points in the Mt. Diablo region. Many different data file types are supported, and the most common are CSV and XLSX files. Finally, we'll add an image as a base raster layer.

  1. Select the Map frame in the Contents window or click the map in the plot window.
  2. Click the Home | Add to Map | Layer | Base command.
  3. Select the Diablo_Sat.tif sample image file.
  4. Click Open.
  5. Click OK in the TIFF Import Options dialog to accept the default options.
  6. Click Yes in the Surfer Warning dialog to automatically extend the map limits to include the entire image.

Images are usually imported into Surfer for use as base maps. However, the Home | Insert | Graphic command can be used to add images directly into the plot window without creating a map.

Multiple map layers are added to the map.

 

It is difficult to see the contours and post map symbols with the image base map. Next we will change the map properties to improve its appearance.

Back to Starting Surfer

Next to Changing Map Properties