Easily Paste ArcGIS Maps into Documents

Placing maps into documents such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint can become a pain at times.  The usual process involves exporting the map into some type of image file.  The file is then inserted into your desired document.  For some projects this is fine and may even be necessary; however for those quick put-together projects there is an easier way.  ArcMap has a menu item that allows your current extent (data view) or page layout to be copied to the clipboard.  The image can then be pasted into your desired documents.  This goes beyond the Microsoft Suite and can even be imported into a graphics programs.  The benefits that this tip provides includes a savings in time and storage space.

To copy the map to the clipboard:

1. Click Edit -> Copy Map to Clipboard

2. See map image on clipboard

3. Paste image into document.  Click image on clipboard or press Ctrl-V.

Formating Legend Labels for Symbology by Quantities

ArcMap legend labels always seem to come out in an undesired format and always need adjustments. For layers that are symbolized based upon quantity there is an easy way to change the number format.  (If you are not sure how to symbolize by quantity, read ArcMap Symbology by Quantity.) When symbolizing quantities that need format adjustments, you can edit each label individually or use the built in format option. To use this option:

1. Open Layer Properties for desired layer.

2. Symbolize layer based upon quantity.

3. Left Click the Label Heading.

Notice the number of decimal places.

4. Choose Format Labels…

5. Make desired changes.

*Note: You can change number type such as currency, direction, percentage, rate, fraction, angle, etc.  There is also the ability to round and set alignment.  Also notice the additional options available.

6. Click Ok.

Results are shown and updated in the legend. Notice that only one decimal place is now shown.  Remember that this is also updated in the legend.

ArcMap Annotation Properties

Map annotation that is created either through the annotation tool or by creating annotation by converting dynamic labels can be edited further beyond just the font and placement.

For example if you change the scale of the annotation, it will not adjust. You can delete the annotation and recreate it.  However, there is an easier way!

To change the reference scale of map annotation:

1. Right click on the data frame in the Table of Contents.

2. Choose Properties…

3. Go to the Annotation Group tab.

Notice that this is the where annotation is managed when you convert it from labels to be stored in the map.  Annotation that is created manually through the annotation tool is also managed here.

Under this tab you can turn annotation on and off.

4. Highlight the annotation group to be changed.

5. Click Properties…

6. Change the reference scale to the proper setting.

Under properties you can change:

• annotation name
• associated layer
• reference scale
• visibility scale

7. Click OK to confirm changes.

The reference scale has now been updated to the correct scale, and the annotation shows correctly.

Related Books

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, Arceditor, and Arcinfo

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

Create ArcMap Annotation

Annotation is a valuable resource for creating labels. Annotation can be created in two ways: either manually through the labeling tool or by converting the dynamic labels into annotation. The later is a big time saver when creating a lot of labels.

When creating labels through conversion, you are given the option to save the annotation in a geodatabase or the map document. If you will be using the annotation in another map project then use the geodatabase option. Otherwise, saving in the map would be fine. When you convert to annotation, the labels are created at the current scale.

1. Set desired font and layout.

2. Turn on labels.

3. Right click on layer to have labels converted.

4. Set annotation settings.

5. Select storage type and which features to create annotation for.

Notice the reference scale on the top right.  This is the scale at which the annotation will be view correctly.  Learn how to change this in the ArcMap Annotation Properties.

6. Click Convert.

The labels have now been converted to annotation.  You can select the text and change its location along with other properties as well.

One thing to note with annotation  is that if you change the scale, the annotation does not adjust.  You can delete the annotation and recreate  it using the previous steps.  However, there is an easier way by following the steps in the ArcMap Annotation Properties post!  You can also learn how to turn on/off map annotation without having to delete it.

Related Books

Elements of Cartography

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

Enhance Your ArcMap Legends

The cartographic design of a map is an important part to the delivery of your information.   One of the key features is the legend.  It defines how the map is perceived.  If the legend is not presented in a helpful role, then the map is of no value.  There are many elements to a legend.  Understanding each area and how they work is important.  Here are some excellent insights to ArcMap legends that are within this video:

• Multiple Columns
• Titles
• Frames
• Drop Shadows
• Layers Swatches
• Font Types
• Description Layouts

Check it out and take your maps to the next level!

Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com.  Some browsers may block this content.

Related Readings

Creating a Whole Page Legend in ArcMap

Multi-Lined Legend Labels in ArcMAP

ArcGIS Tutorial: Manually Editing the Legend in ArcGIS/ArcMAP

Related Books

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS
Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

Saving New ArcMap Symbol

Have you gotten to the point where you are tired of changing specific characteristics of a symbol over and over?  ArcMap enables you to save that symbology and save it in your own category.  Below you will find the steps to make life a little bit easier.

1.  After you have selected the specifics for your symbol, click the “Save…” button.

2.  Enter a value for the Symbol Name and Category.  The Category can be a previous one or you can create a new one.

3.  Once you have saved the file, change the Category drop box to the one you save the symbol under.  The newly saved symbol will be available.