magnify city areas in state map
September 28 2010 |
4 comments
Categories:
ArcGIS Methods
I am creating a state-wide map and would like to include smaller maps on the same layout that zoom into populated areas. I forget what this method is called. But basically, I want to explode the area to see greater detail. Is there a way to automate this in ArcGIS Desktop 10 layout, or do I have to create new dataframes and draw lines from the state view to the lower scale view?
Mapping Center Answer:
The process you are describing is called creating an inset or overview map. There is a blog that is called Cartographic Design: Inset Maps that discusses how these are used and how they can be created easily using Extent Rectangles.
In ArcGIS 10, there is a new way to set the rules for more than one othe data frames you create. Data frame rules define a data frame's extent, size, scale, rotation, and coordinate system. In map documents with multiple data frames, you can specify that a data frame inherits another's settings. The online help topic, "Creating data frame rules for multiple data frames", leads you step-by-step through defining your data frame rules and then allows you to use them to specify the rules for a new data frame.
Insets with a line drawn from the state view to the enlarged area are something we call "zoom lines". We generally discourage the use of these (as you will read in the blog entry) because they are not needed and they create visual clutter or potential confusion. Other good options are described in the blog entry.
This comment was in response to the 1st comment, it is out of sequence.
If you would like to post a comment, please login.
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//0103000001tv000000.htm
I will make a copy of my mxd to version 9.3 and try the instructions for "extent rectangles".