ArcMap Annotation Properties

January 4, 2009 by  
Filed under ArcGIS, Cartography, GIS Tips

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!

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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.

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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

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7. Click OK to confirm changes.

The reference scale has now been updated to the correct scale, and the annotation shows correctly.annotation7

Related Books

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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