Using the Layers Overview Window in ArcMap

A valuable tool in ArcMap that sometimes goes unnoticed is the Layers Overview Window.  When working on a map while zoomed in it is very easy to loose perspective of the actual location as compared to the overall map.  This can also be true when analyzing a feature class by zooming to selected records from the attribute table.  You usually have to stop and zoom out a significant amount to determine the location.  However, with the Layers Overview Window you can always know the area for which you are working.

This tool can be easily found and utilized with just a few simple steps.

1. Click Overview from Window Menu.

2. Next change the properties by right clicking on the Overview Window header to open the properties window.  Then change the desired settings.

Here you can change your reference layer, extent symbol and background color.

Here is an example of the Layer Overview window in use.  The Overview window can also be resized as well.