# Regions, London & inset maps

Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface.

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions
Updated: 2026-10-22

An inset is a separate, enlarged view of part of the map. Use it to show dense detail such as London without enlarging the entire country.

[Watch tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Ln7HnGfw4)

Some videos show an earlier layout. The written instructions below describe the current controls; this is a guide, not a video transcript.

![Regions, London & inset maps — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/regions.png)

The current panel, with its options expanded where useful. Select a numbered circle to read its explanation.

## 1. Show or hide regions

Tick the countries or regions you want included. UK maps can offer England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The list reflects what is present in that map; a switch cannot add a region that the map does not contain.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions#regions--countries)

## 2. London Inset

Shows or hides the separate London view. When it is available, choose Top right or Bottom left for its position. Check that the inset does not clash with your key or other annotations.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions#regions--london)

## 3. Show inset frames

Shows the boxes around the inset maps, helping readers distinguish them from the main geography. Untick for a cleaner composition if the separation is already obvious.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions#regions--frames)

## 4. Show ULEZ boundary

Adds the ULEZ boundary layer where supplied by the map. Its width control adjusts the line. This is a reference layer in the artwork, not a live vehicle eligibility or charging check.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions#regions--ulez)

## 5. Other regional and inset choices

NHS maps can offer named health regions and a London inset. Northern Ireland maps can offer separate top-left and top-right views. Other country maps show their own region switches, such as Australia and Tasmania. Each switch shows or hides that supplied group; the rest of the controls work in the same way.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions#regions--variants)

## 6. Imported locations in London

Advanced dots and marker imports have their own choices for putting London locations on the inset or main map. If a location seems missing or appears twice, check both the inset visibility here and the placement option in the import dialog.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions#regions--locations)

### What this looks like

Current GBMaps controls with example maps and account details. Choose View larger to see the details.

![Find this tool in the menu — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-menu-regionsInsetsMenu.png?v=1792654464)

[**Find this tool in the menu**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=regions#regions--countries)

The current menu entry. Expand its options as described in the numbered instructions; extra controls appear when an item or data has been added.

## Related guides

- [Add an inset from this map or another saved map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=live-inset)
- [Map details: boundaries & place labels](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=details)
- [Show only your assigned territories](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=hide-unassigned)
- [Advanced dots & shapes: every column](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=advanced-dots)
- [Advanced marker import: every column](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=advanced-markers)