039] How to Customize and Apply Line Styles

Global Mapper Line Styling Overview (Vector Visualization with Line Styles)

Learn how to apply built-in feature types and design custom multi-layered line styles for professional GIS mapping.

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to managing line features in Global Mapper. We cover everything from initial digitization and applying pre-defined styles to creating unique custom types and editing saved styles through the configuration menu.

In this session, we will explore how to apply Styles to Line features. The process is similar to the Area styling workflow introduced in the previous lesson, so we will focus on key differences

First, open Global Mapper and draw a line segment using the Digitizer Tool.

Global Mapper Digitizer Tool menu for creating new line features
img 1 : Global Mapper Digitizer Tool menu for creating new line features

Once you've drawn your desired line, right-click at the final point to bring up the Modify Feature Info window. This part is identical to the Area feature setup we learned last time.

Applying Predefined Line Styles in Global Mapper

If you wish to apply a style that is already registered in the system, you can do so through the Feature Type dropdown menu.

Modify Feature Info window showing the Feature Style section
img 2 : Modify Feature Info window showing the Feature Style section
Dropdown list of various pre-defined line types like Airport Runway and Arterial Road
img 3 : Dropdown list of various pre-defined line types like Airport Runway and Arterial Road

Simply open the Feature Type list and select the type that fits your needs. But what if you want to create your own unique style?

Creating Custom Line Styles in Global Mapper

To register a new style, select Create New Type. This will open the Line Type Information Setup window.

Line Type Information Setup window for customizing dash patterns and colors
img 4 : Line Type Information Setup window for customizing dash patterns and colors

Just like with Area features, you can define the Style Name, select a Line Style (dash pattern), and set the Line Width.

  • Background Line: This draws an additional line behind the main one. You can specify its width and color to create a highlighted or multi-layered effect.
  • Use flat endcaps for this line: This setting determines whether the ends of your line segments are rounded or square (flat).

After clicking OK, you will return to the main screen to see your applied custom style.

Example of a customized green line with a red dashed background style applied
img 5 : Example of a customized green line with a red dashed background style applied

The result looks great! But what if you want to modify a style you've already saved? Let’s look at how to edit existing styles.

Editing Saved Line Styles in Global Mapper

You might wonder where to find the styles you've added to the list. To modify them, go to the top menu and select Tools -> Configure.

Navigating to the Configure menu under the Tools tab
img 6 : Navigating to the Configure menu under the Tools tab

The Configuration window will appear. From the left sidebar, navigate to Styles -> Line Styles. You will see a list of all registered Line Types on the right.

Note: You can also edit Point, Area, and Custom symbols from this same window.

Configuration window showing the Line Styles management tab
img 7 : Configuration window showing the Line Styles management tab

Select the style you want to change (e.g., my_line_style) and click Edit Type.

Editing an existing line style in the Line Type Information Setup dialog
img 8 : Editing an existing line style in the Line Type Information Setup dialog

The Line Type Information Setup window will open again, allowing you to tweak the settings. It’s very similar to Area styling and quite intuitive. Feel free to experiment with different options to see how they look!

There are many more advanced options, but honestly, the increase in quality isn't always worth the time investment.

That's all for today!

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