Produce High-Quality, Standards-Ready Maps Directly from Smallworld
What is the difference between a plot and a map?
A plot is basic vector output designed for a specific technical audience. A map, by contrast, adds contextual detail, cartographic refinement, and visual clarity—making it suitable for engineers, regulators, executives, field crews, and the public.
Historically, ESRI has been viewed as the industry standard for high-quality cartographic output, while Smallworld was often perceived as limited to plotting. In reality, Smallworld has always had a powerful cartographic core.
The FCSI Mapping Extensions unlocks that capability, providing a comprehensive set of advanced layout and drawing elements that enable the creation of highly realistic, publication-quality maps directly from Smallworld GIS.
Realistic Look and Feel for Broad Audiences
Using FCSI tools and methodologies, GIS teams can produce maps that are:
- Clear and intuitive for non-technical users
- Cartographically accurate and visually polished
Configurable to meet utility, telecom, and municipal standards
Advanced Grid Overlays and Coordinate Annotation
FCSI Mapping Extensions support:
- Multiple grid overlays on a single map
- Configurable major and minor grid lines or tick spacing
- Detailed edge and viewport labeling
- Character sizing that mirrors traditional cartographic standards
Multiple grid projections can be displayed simultaneously, providing flexibility for cross-jurisdictional and multi-standard mapping.
Elevation, Contours, and Terrain Labeling
Elevation and Terrain data is supported.
Advanced Symbology and Feature Representation
FCSI provides robust symbology capabilities, including:
- Thematic coloring
- Feature-based drawing and labeling
- Circuit Isolation allows you to map just the circuit you want to see.
The result is maps that are both technically precise and visually intuitive.
Multiple Views
Multiple supplementary views can be embedded within a single layout, including:
- Key maps
- Locator or overview maps
Automated Location Indexing (Map Index / Table of Contents)
The Mapping Extensions support automated location indexing, allowing you to:
- Generate a table of referenced objects
- Display descriptive information for each object
- Automatically include grid or coordinate references
This is particularly valuable for printed maps used in field operations, inspections, and emergency response.
Fully Customizable Legends
FCSI provides flexible legend layout elements that allow you to:
- Control exactly which objects appear
- Define geometry and draw styles
- Tailor legends to specific audiences or regulatory requirements
No unnecessary symbology—only what matters for the map’s purpose.
Work Order Plotting and Operational Mapping
Purpose-built layout elements allow you to:
- List active work orders directly on the map
- Automatically draw leader lines to their physical locations
This significantly improves clarity for:
- Field crews
- Construction planning
Maintenance and outage coordination
Expanded Cartographic Layout Elements
In addition to standard map components, FCSI has enhanced and extended:
- Scale bars with advanced labeling and graticules
- Conversion bars
- Slope guides
Additional custom layout elements can be developed to meet specific utility, telecom, or municipal mapping requirements.
