Performing quality control checks

Once you have applied symbology to your chart and created annotation, you will need to begin the process of cartographic finishing. However, before you begin editing the chart data, it may be beneficial to spend some time identifying the areas of the chart that require finishing edits, as well as the types of edits that are needed. This process is called quality control, or QC. The QC process consists of making plots of the chart and reviewing them for clarity and legibility. In the end, this process can greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to perform your cartographic finishing edits.

Inspecting the chart visually

Prior to visually inspecting the chart, you should already have set the page size and prepared the chart for printing.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. Open the product map document.
3. On the main menu, click View > Layout View.
4. Print/Plot out a scaled version of your chart.

   Click here for more information on printing maps and charts.

5. Review the chart for areas of conflict.
6. Identify areas where the overprinting and overcrowding of symbols and annotation make the chart difficult to read.
7. If available, compare your chart to existing hard-copy source and identify conflicts.
   Note:

   It may be necessary to make more than one round of quality control checks. If this is the case, repeat steps 1 through 6.