Topographic map guide

How to Print A4 and A3 Topographic Maps

A fixed-scale topographic map can be correct on screen and still be wrong on paper if the browser or printer rescales it. Paper size, orientation and print scaling must therefore match the map settings.

A4 and A3 paper sizes

Under ISO 216, A4 measures 210 × 297 mm and A3 measures 297 × 420 mm. A3 has twice the surface area of A4, so at the same map scale it can show a wider area.

1. Prepare the map

Choose the area, layer, paper size, orientation, map scale and coordinate grid. Enter a sheet name before printing.

2. Check the fixed scale

If you select 1:10,000, 1:25,000, 1:50,000 or 1:100,000 and then zoom manually, TopograpMaps switches to Free view. Re-select a fixed scale before printing if exact scale matters.

3. Use “Print / Save PDF”

The site waits for the required map tiles and selected terrain details before opening the browser print dialog. This reduces the risk of incomplete output.

4. Match paper size and orientation

If the site is set to A4 landscape, choose A4 landscape in the print dialog. A mismatch can trigger rescaling or clipping.

5. Print at 100% or Actual size

Turn off options such as Fit to page, Shrink to fit or other automatic scaling. The goal is to print at 100% or Actual size.

6. Disable browser headers and footers

Dates, URLs and page numbers added by the browser consume printable space. Turn them off. If available, set browser margins to none; your printer's hardware limits still apply.

7. Keep background graphics on

Enabling background graphics helps preserve the intended appearance of map-sheet UI elements and supporting information.

8. Check the 100 mm calibration line

After printing, measure the calibration line with a ruler. If it is not 100 mm long, the output has been rescaled. Do not rely on ruler-based map-distance measurements until the print settings are corrected.

For scale selection, see How to Choose a Map Scale.