Print & Export Site Maps

What is Event Site Map Printing & Export?

Event site map printing and export is the ability to save digital site plans as professional documents for distribution, permits, presentations, and on-site reference. Export capabilities convert interactive digital maps into PDFs for council submissions, high-resolution images for client presentations, printable formats for crew packets, and scalable files for large-format printing when needed. Event organizers use print and export features to create permit documentation, distribute site plans to stakeholders, provide printed reference materials for crews working without devices, and maintain professional archives of past events.

For festivals submitting permit applications, events requiring printed crew packets, corporate clients needing presentation-ready site plans, or councils demanding specific document formats, the ability to export digital maps professionally determines whether your planning looks amateur or authoritative.

GoodEvent Maps print and export converts your interactive site planning into any format stakeholders need. Export council-ready PDFs in 10 seconds. Save high-resolution PNGs for PowerPoint presentations. Generate printable A4 packets for crew folders. One digital map becomes every document format you need—without expensive large-format printers or specialist CAD export software.

Why Basic Exports Fail Professional Events

Screenshot your planning software and print it? Pixelated mess. Pay for large-format CAD printing? £200 per map. Email a 50MB image file? Bounces back "file too large." Here's why basic export capabilities don't work for real events:

Screenshots Look Unprofessional

You screenshot your digital site plan. Print it A4 size—labels are illegible. Zoom in to read labels—now only 1/4 of the map fits on the page. Print across 4 sheets and tape together—looks terrible in permit application.

High-resolution vector export maintains clarity at any size. Print A4 or A0 poster size with perfect label clarity.

Large Format Printing is Expensive

Council requires A0 size site plan for permit application. You find a print shop: £50-100 for one print. Client wants changes. Reprint: another £50-100. Three revisions later, you've spent £300 on printing alone.

Digital-first workflow with free re-exports means you print large format only once—after final approval. Most stakeholders view PDFs on screens. Zero printing cost.

Jodie, Sami Tipi:

"Thanks to Good Event we can send absolutely stunning quotes and give our customers an unbeatable service."

Generic PDFs Lack Essential Details

You export your map as PDF. No legend explaining symbols. No scale showing distances. No contact information. No event date. Council rejects it—missing required information.

Professional PDF templates include legends, scales, measurements, event details, your branding, and contact information automatically. Meets regulatory requirements without manual layout work.

Files Too Large to Email

You export site map as high-res PNG. File size: 47MB. Email to council—bounces back "attachment too large." Try compressing—now pixelated. Upload to Dropbox—council can't access Dropbox on secure network.

Optimized export settings balance quality with file size. PDFs under 5MB that look professional and email reliably. Or share view-only links—zero file size.

Can't Resize Without Quality Loss

You create map for A4 printing. Festival site manager needs A0 size for on-site display board. Resize your A4 export—text becomes blurry, lines pixelate. Start over creating A0 version.

Vector-based exports scale infinitely. Same file prints crisp at A4, A3, A2, A1, or A0. One export, any size needed.

Format Compatibility Issues

You export as .DWG CAD file. Client doesn't have AutoCAD—can't open. Export as .AI—they don't have Illustrator. Export as .PDF—they want .PNG for their presentation.

Multiple export formats mean every stakeholder gets what they need. PDF for councils, PNG for presentations, JPG for websites, print-ready files for print shops.

Why GoodEvent Map Exports Work for Professional Events

Generic mapping tools export basic images. CAD software requires specialist knowledge to export properly. Google My Maps doesn't export professional documents. None provide event-industry-ready outputs.

GoodEvent Maps was built with event documentation requirements in mind. We understand you need:

• Council-compliant PDFs with legends, scales, measurements, and event details matching permit application requirements
• High-resolution images for client presentations, website galleries, and marketing materials
• Printable crew packets at A4/Letter size with clear labels and zones
• Large-format print files when wall posters or site boards are essential
• Optimized file sizes that email reliably without compression artifacts
• Multiple format options because different stakeholders have different needs
• Instant re-export when plans change—no waiting for designers or print shops

Built-in professional export features:

• PDF export with customizable page sizes (A4, A3, A2, A1, A0, Letter, Tabloid)
• PNG and JPG image exports at 72dpi (screen), 150dpi (standard print), or 300dpi (high-quality print)
• Automatic legends explaining all map symbols and icons
• Scale bars showing distances in meters or feet
• Event information headers (event name, date, venue, version number)
• Your company branding (logo, colors, contact details)
• Measurement annotations showing key distances
• Zone labels and numbering clearly visible
• File size optimization for reliable emailing
• Batch export multiple map versions (setup, event day, breakdown) at once

Easy distribution without printing:

Most stakeholders don't need printed copies:

• Council planners view PDFs on computers
• Crew access live maps on phones via shareable links
• Clients review site plans on tablets during meetings
• Vendors check their pitch locations on smartphones

Print only when truly needed. Save hundreds on unnecessary printing.

Amy, The Marquee Hire Company:

"Made my life so much easier & it looks great for the customers, very professional! The online CAD has literally saved me hours per day... Very user friendly, absolutely love this system."

How to Print & Export Event Site Maps

Exporting professional site maps takes seconds once you understand the workflow:

1. Finalize Your Digital Map

Ensure all elements are positioned correctly, labels are clear, zones are numbered, measurements are shown. This is your master version.

Time to complete: Already done if you've planned your site

2. Choose Export Format Based on Use

Different stakeholders need different formats:

• Council permits: PDF (includes legends, scales, compliant formatting)
• Client presentations: PNG or JPG (embeds in PowerPoint/Keynote)
• Crew packets: PDF at A4/Letter size (prints easily on standard printers)
• Large site boards: PDF at A0/A1 size (send to large-format printer)
• Website/social media: JPG optimized for web

Time to complete: 5 seconds to select format

3. Select Page Size and Orientation

Landscape or portrait? A4 for packets, A0 for permits?

• A4/Letter: Standard printer size, crew packets, office distribution
• A3/Tabloid: Medium size for team briefings
• A2: Large enough for wall posting, small enough for standard print shops
• A1/A0: Permit applications, large site boards, planning displays

Time to complete: 5 seconds to choose size

4. Configure Export Settings

Customize what appears on exported map:

• Include/exclude legend
• Include/exclude scale bar
• Include/exclude measurement annotations
• Include/exclude event information header
• Include/exclude your company branding
• Resolution setting (72dpi, 150dpi, 300dpi)

Time to complete: 10 seconds to configure (or use defaults)

5. Export and Save

Click export. File downloads in seconds. Save to your computer or cloud storage.

Time to complete: 5 seconds

6. Distribute Appropriately

Email PDF to council. Share PNG with client. Print crew packets on office printer. Send A0 PDF to large-format print shop.

Time to complete: 30 seconds to email or print

7. Re-Export After Changes

Council requests changes to emergency access route. Update digital map, re-export PDF in 10 seconds. Email updated version. No reprinting costs.

Time to complete: 10 seconds to re-export updated version

Complete export workflow: 30 seconds from finalized map to professional PDF/image in stakeholder's inbox.

Guys, Vibert Marquees:

"Feedback from clients has been positive, with clients stating they love being able to see the images/plans and quotes all in one place and to be able to share this with their partners/family via the portal."

Professional Export Use Cases

Council Permit Applications

Requirement: Submit site plan showing emergency access, assembly points, facilities, capacities.

Export process:

1. Configure map to show all safety features, measurements, and compliance elements
2. Add annotations for required distances ("45m emergency vehicle access," "Fire assembly point—100m from structures")
3. Export as PDF at A3 size (most councils accept A3-A1)
4. Include automatic legend explaining all symbols
5. Event information header shows event name, date, venue address, your contact details
6. File size: 3-5MB—emails reliably
7. Submit with permit application

Council receives: Professional site plan with all required information clearly labeled, measurements verified, compliance demonstrated.

Time saved: No hiring CAD designers (£200-500 per plan). No large-format printing until permit approved.

Client Presentation Materials

Requirement: Show corporate client proposed team-building event layout during pitch meeting.

Export process:

1. Create public-facing map version (hide infrastructure details, show only activity zones, branding areas, guest facilities)
2. Export as high-res PNG (300dpi)
3. Import PNG into PowerPoint presentation
4. Resize as needed—vector quality maintains clarity
5. Present during client meeting
6. Client approves—export PDF version for their records

Client receives: Professional visual showing exactly how their event will look. Clear understanding of space, flow, activities.

Conversion benefit: Visual site plans increase booking conversion by 30-40% versus verbal descriptions.

Crew Setup Packets

Requirement: Give setup crew printed reference materials for 3-day festival build.

Export process:

1. Create three map versions: Day 1 setup, Day 2 setup, Day 3 setup
2. Each shows only elements being installed that day
3. Color-code by crew team (Stage crew = red, Facilities crew = blue, Vendors = green)
4. Export each as PDF at A4 size
5. Print 20 copies each on office printer (60 sheets total)
6. Include in crew briefing packets
7. Also share live map links so crew can access on phones

Crew receives: Clear printed reference showing their assignments, plus digital access for real-time updates.

Setup efficiency: Crew spends less time asking "where does this go?" More time installing.

Large Format Site Boards

Requirement: Festival entrance needs A0 size site map showing vendor locations, toilets, stages.

Export process:

1. Create public-facing festival map (hide backstage areas, show only public facilities)
2. Simplify labels for distance viewing (larger font, fewer details)
3. Export as PDF at A0 size (841mm x 1189mm)
4. Send PDF to large-format print shop
5. Print on weather-resistant material
6. Mount at festival entrance

Cost: One-time A0 print (£50-100) instead of multiple revisions during planning (£200-500).

Festival attendees: Find their way using clear, professional map. Fewer "where's the toilet?" questions for staff.

Archive Documentation

Requirement: Maintain records of all festival layouts for insurance, planning future events, and regulatory compliance.

Export process:

1. After each festival, export final as-built site plan as PDF
2. Include all actual positions (not planned positions if different)
3. Add notes about what worked well, what to change next year
4. Save PDF to cloud storage with filename: "Festival-Name-Year-Site-Plan-Final.pdf"
5. Insurance claims? Pull up exact site layout from that year.
6. Next year's planning? Start from last year's exported PDF as reference.

Compliance benefit: Complete documented archive of every event. Proves due diligence if incidents occur.

Planning efficiency: Don't reinvent successful layouts. Reference past years, adjust, improve.

Becki, South Coast Marquees:

"Good Event has revolutionised the way we work here at South Coast Marquees. It's saved us time, enabled us to respond quickly to prospective clients with a far more professional looking quotation system and therefore won us more business. Not only that but as an employer, we've been able to be more organised and professional giving staff the accurate information they need to deliver a job."

Export Format Guide: Which to Use When

PDF Export - Best For:

Council permit applications:

• Universally readable (every council computer opens PDFs)
• Maintains professional formatting
• Includes legends, scales, annotations automatically
• File sizes reasonable for email (3-8MB typical)
• Can't be accidentally edited by recipients

Client approvals:

• Professional appearance
• Clients can view on computers, tablets, phones
• Print locally if needed
• Add to contract documentation
• Version control (name each PDF: "Event-Name-v3-2026-01-20.pdf")

Crew packets:

• Print on standard office printers (A4/Letter)
• Multiple pages if needed (A4 overview + detailed zone pages)
• Crew can't accidentally change the plan
• Professional appearance

Archive storage:

• Long-term format stability (PDFs open decades later)
• Small file sizes for storage
• Searchable text (if you included text elements)
• Industry-standard documentation format

PNG Export - Best For:

PowerPoint presentations:

• Embeds cleanly in slides
• Transparent backgrounds (if configured)
• Resize without quality loss
• Looks professional in client pitches

Website use:

• Portfolio galleries showing past event layouts
• Service pages demonstrating capabilities
• Blog posts about specific events
• Medium file sizes balance quality and load speed

Social media:

• Share festival site plans as visual content
• Promotional posts showing event scale
• Behind-the-scenes planning content
• Compress for faster loading on mobile

Graphic design workflows:

• Import into Photoshop, Canva, or design tools
• Layer over other graphics
• Add additional branding or information
• Create marketing materials

JPG Export - Best For:

Email attachments where size matters:

• Smaller file sizes than PNG
• Universally openable
• Suitable quality for most uses
• Reliable email delivery

Quick sharing:

• WhatsApp to crew
• Text message to clients
• Upload to project management tools
• Attach to event management apps

Website backgrounds:

• Compressed for fast page loads
• Acceptable quality for decorative use
• Broad browser compatibility

Export Quality Settings Explained

Resolution Options:

72 DPI (Screen Resolution):

• Use for: On-screen viewing only (emails, websites, presentations)
• File size: Smallest (500KB - 2MB typical)
• Print quality: Poor—pixelated if printed
• Best for: Quick shares, web use, screen-only documents

150 DPI (Standard Print):

• Use for: Office printer output, crew packets, A4/Letter prints
• File size: Medium (2MB - 5MB typical)
• Print quality: Good for standard documents up to A4/A3 size
• Best for: Daily printing needs, internal documents

300 DPI (High-Quality Print):

• Use for: Professional prints, large format, marketing materials
• File size: Largest (5MB - 15MB typical)
• Print quality: Excellent—professional standard
• Best for: Permit submissions, client presentations, large format printing, anything representing your brand publicly

When to Use High Resolution:

• Council permit applications (they may print large)
• Client proposals and presentations
• Marketing materials and portfolio pieces
• Large format printing (A1, A0)
• Any document representing your company externally

When Standard Resolution is Fine:

• Internal crew packets
• Office reference prints
• Quick sharing with team
• Email previews
• Draft versions during planning

Common Export & Printing Mistakes

Event organizers make predictable export mistakes. Here's how to avoid them:

1. Exporting Too Early

The mistake: Export site plan as PDF, send to council. Next day, client changes VIP area location. Export updated version, send again. Council now has two versions—confusion about which is current.

How to avoid: Finalize digital map completely before exporting for external stakeholders. Internal team can view live digital version. Export only when "locked in" for that recipient.

2. Not Including Version Numbers or Dates

The mistake: Export "Festival-Site-Plan.pdf" on Monday. Make changes Wednesday, export again with same filename. Email both versions to different people. Nobody knows which is current.

How to avoid: Include version number or date in filename: "Festival-Site-Plan-v3-2026-01-20.pdf" or "Festival-Site-Plan-Final-Approved.pdf"

3. Wrong Resolution for Use Case

The mistake: Export 72dpi image for large-format printing. Print shop prints at A0 size. Labels illegible, pixelated mess.

How to avoid: Match resolution to use: 72dpi for screens only, 150dpi for A4 office printing, 300dpi for anything professional or large format.

4. Forgetting to Include Legends

The mistake: Export map showing various colored icons and symbols. Send to council. They have no idea what the symbols mean. Application delayed pending clarification.

How to avoid: Always include legend on exports for external stakeholders. Internal crew can skip legends if they know your iconography.

5. Exporting at Wrong Page Size

The mistake: Create A4 export, send to council. Council requires A3 minimum. Create new A3 export. Different aspect ratio means relabeling everything. Waste time.

How to avoid: Check recipient requirements before first export. Council permit guidelines specify page size requirements. Ask corporate clients their preferred format. Get it right first time.

6. Not Optimizing File Size

The mistake: Export 300dpi A0 PNG for email. File size: 47MB. Email bounces. Compress to 5MB—now pixelated.

How to avoid: Use PDF format for large plans going via email (better compression). Or share view-only link instead of attaching file. Or use file transfer service for genuine large-format files.

7. Printing Everything When Digital Works

The mistake: Print 50 crew packets at £2 each (£100 cost). Half the crew access map on phones anyway, printed copies stay in van unused.

How to avoid: Share digital maps first. Print only for crew members who specifically request printed reference. Most modern crews prefer phones.

Choosing Event Mapping Software with Professional Export

Export Capabilities to Look For:

Format flexibility:

• Multiple export formats (PDF, PNG, JPG minimum)
• Adjustable page sizes (A4 through A0, Letter through Tabloid)
• Resolution options (screen, standard print, high-quality)
• Vector-based exports that scale without quality loss

Professional features:

• Automatic legends explaining symbols
• Scale bars showing distances
• Measurement annotations
• Event information headers
• Company branding options (logo, colors, contact details)
• File size optimization for emailing

Workflow efficiency:

• One-click export (not 10-step process)
• Batch export multiple versions at once
• Quick re-export when changes occur
• Export presets for common uses (council, client, crew)
• Preview before export

Questions to ask vendors:

• "What file formats can I export?"
• "Can I include legends and scale bars automatically?"
• "What's the maximum print size I can export?"
• "How long does it take to re-export after making changes?"
• "Can I add my company branding to exports?"
• "Will exports work for council permit applications?"
• "What happens if I need to print at A0 size?"

Red flags:

• "Screenshot and print" - Unprofessional output, poor quality
• "Requires CAD software to export properly" - Adds complexity and cost
• "Export to proprietary format only" - Stakeholders can't open files
• "Manual legend creation required" - Time-consuming, error-prone
• "Fixed export size" - Can't adapt to different requirements

Why professional export matters:

Your site planning might be perfect, but if councils can't read your export, clients can't print your PDF, or crew can't open your file format, the planning is useless. Professional export turns digital planning into actionable documentation.

Ryan, UK Marquee Hire:

"Started using Good Event 2 years ago and it has transformed our business. Logistically it has saved us so much time and money. Super easy to use, full support from the team, very good value for money and endless features to help with the running of our company."

Print & Export Access & Compatibility

Export from Any Device:

• Desktop computer: Full export controls and preview
• Laptop: Complete export functionality
• Tablet: Export and email directly from device
• Mobile phone: Quick exports for urgent sharing

Plan on desktop, export on laptop during site visit, share from phone in meeting—flexibility to export wherever you are.

Universal Compatibility:

Exported files open on:

• Windows PCs (PDF, PNG, JPG all supported)
• Mac computers (all formats native)
• iPads and tablets (view, print, share)
• Android phones (universal format support)
• Council computers (even locked-down systems open PDFs)
• Print shops (send files via email or USB)

No "sorry, I can't open this file" issues.

No Special Software Required:

• Recipients don't need GoodEvent to view exports
• PDFs open in free Adobe Reader or browser
• Images open in any photo viewer
• Print from any standard printer or print shop
• Email as regular attachments

Perfect for councils, clients, vendors, crews who don't have access to specialist software.

Works with other GoodEvent tools:

• GoodEvent Business - Export site maps with linked event bookings
• GoodEvent Layout - Export outdoor site plan and indoor floor plan together
• GoodEvent Docs - Attach exported site maps to permit application forms
• Site planning feature - Plan and export complex festival sites

Getting Started with Professional Map Exports

Start exporting professional site maps in minutes:

1. Create Your First Site Map

Plan your event site using GoodEvent Maps. Add all elements, measurements, labels.

2. Choose Your Export Need

Council permit? Client presentation? Crew packet? Different exports for different purposes.

3. Configure and Export

Select format (PDF/PNG/JPG), page size (A4-A0), resolution (72-300dpi), click export.

Create a site map to export →

4. Distribute Professionally

Email to councils. Present to clients. Print for crews. Same map, every format needed.

Time to value: Export professional permit-ready PDF in 30 seconds from finalized map.

Megan, Raj Tent Club NZ:

"Our switch to Good Event just over a year ago has been a game-changer. Quicker and more accurate quotes and bookings. Our clients love that it's so easy to view quotes and pay invoices. I also love the option to add floor-plans to quotes."

Related Resources

Other GoodEvent Maps Features

• Site Planning for Events - Create the maps you'll export for permits
• Shareable Site Maps - Share digital links instead of printing
• Google Maps Integration - Plan on real terrain, export professional results
• Any Event Type Planning - Weddings to festivals—export any event

Industry Resources

• Festival Event Management - Large-scale events requiring permit documentation
• Marquee Hire Software - UK event suppliers needing client presentations
• Tent Rental Software - US businesses requiring professional exports
• Corporate Event Planning - Professional presentations for corporate clients
• Wedding Planning Software - Beautiful exports for wedding clients

Complementary Tools

• GoodEvent Layout - Export indoor floor plans to complement outdoor site maps
• GoodEvent Business - Link exports to event bookings and quotes
• GoodEvent Docs - Digital forms for permit applications with attached site maps