Labels and Annotation: Efficient And Effective Use of Text On Your Map

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Labels and Annotation Efficient And Effective
Use of Text On Your Map

• Sam Troth

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Map Textual Information

• Descriptive
• Names, title, legend
• Positional
• Grids, graticules
• Analytical
• Charts, tables
• Metadata
• Disclaimer, data source
• May or may not be feature-based
• Plan for text placement and storage

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Key Features of Labels

• Dynamic
• Managed as a group
• Linked to a feature
• Layer property
• Stored in map document or layer file

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Feature-based vs. not feature-based text
AGR
Not feature-based
RES
Feature-based
High seepagezone
RSV
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Feature-based text can be based on
Population
Single attribute
City Name
Name
Pop_2011
14,650
Franklin
Franklin
65,346
Prescott
Multiple attributes
37,562
Leland
Prescott
Or an attribute from a joined table
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Label with Python, VBScript, or Jscript
expressions
def FindLabel ( CNTRY_NAME ) S
CNTRY_NAME S S.replace(" ", "\n") return
S
Stack
Round numbers
round(float(SQKM), 0)
def FindLabel ( CNTRY_NAME ) S
CNTRY_NAME S S.upper() return S
Change case
Multiple field values
CNTRY_NAME " (" FIPS_CNTRY ")"
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Scale range

• Scale at which labels will display

Zoomed in
Scale lt 12,000,000
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Label Placement

• Placement properties change depending on type of
  feature

Point
Line
Polygon
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Labeling Demonstration
Labeling toolbar Placement options SQL Query Text
symbol - Halo Scale range Label classes import
from symbology Reference scale
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Maplex Label Engine

• Advanced high-quality cartographic text placement
  engine
• End goal of reducing map production time and
  costs
• Numerous options
• Label placement
• Fitting strategies
• Label density
• Conflict resolution

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Pulling it all together

• Labels can be a great choice for text on your
  map
• Dynamically placed
• Based on feature attributes
• Property of a layer
• Get the most out of labeling
• Visible scale range
• Label expressions
• Label placement
• Label classes

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Set up labels, convert to annotation

• Common workflow to set the bulk of your text
  properties as labels, and then convert to
  annotation for finer control

Map annotation
Labels
or
Geodatabase annotation
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Converting labels to annotation

• For individual layers or all layers in the data
  frame
• Reference scale
• Storage location
• Feature-linked or standard
• Append to existing
• Retain unplaced text

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Map annotation

• Use in a single map document
• Stored as graphics
• Create and edit with the Draw toolbar
• Organized into Annotation Groups
• Can link visibility to a layer
• Requires a reference scale

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Geodatabase annotation

• Feature class
• Reuse
• Reference scale
• View as a layer
• ArcMap TOC
• Choose from
• Standard
• Feature-linked
• Licensing
• Standard editing environment

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Edit annotation

• Better control over individual text elements

Want 3 lines, not 4
Want to move up
Want to change alignment
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Annotation classes

• Label classes convert to Annotation classes
• Reduces need for multiple annotation feature
  classes
• Define separate, independent properties

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Annotation

• Map annotation can be useful for
• Minimal text
• Little editing
• Use in one map
• Geodatabase annotation is the best choice when
• Lots of text
• Editing
• Use in multiple maps

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Related Presentations

• Wednesday 16/07/14 1100 AM - 1130 AM Desktop
  Mapping Managing and Editing Annotation (General
  Theatre 2 Exhibit Hall A)
• Thursday 17/07/14 0830 AM - 0945 AM Desktop
  Mapping Getting the Most from the Maplex Label
  Engine (Room 14B)
• See us at the Mapping and Visualization Island at
  the Esri Showcase

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Thank you

• Please fill out the session survey
• Session ID 1061
• Online www.esri.com/ucsessionsurveys

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