Symbol Masking in ArcGIS Pro

Say no to the maligned halo and use masking, halo's sophisticated cousin. Sometimes known as clipping paths or knockouts, masks can provide clarity to dense maps where multiple graphics intersect. ArcGIS Pro has several options for masking creation and new configuration options to improve your maps. Learn how to create masks for text and other symbols and use symbol layer masking to produce clean maps where graphics overlap. You'll also see how to supercharge your map creation with mask editing and workflow automation.

Transcript

1. Symbol Masking in ArcGIS Pro Craig Williams, Esri @williamscraigm Slides at https://speakerdeck.com/williamscraigm
2. Masks Knockouts Clipping paths
3. Not halos!
4. Image © 3M
5. Masks prevent the appearance of content in a defined area Content is there, just hidden
6. Types of masking in ArcGIS Pro • Layer masking • Mask all features in a layer • Alternatively, select specific symbol layers to mask • Feature-level masking • A single mask applies to a single feature
7. Layer masks • Most often generated via tools: • Feature Outline Masks • Intersecting Layers Masks • Cul-de-Sac Masks • Text must be annotation for mask creation
8. Layer masks • Most often generated via tools: • Feature Outline Masks • Intersecting Layers Masks • Cul-de-Sac Masks • Text must be annotation for mask creation
9. Layer masks • Most often generated via tools: • Feature Outline Masks • Intersecting Layers Masks • Cul-de-Sac Masks • Text must be annotation for mask creation
10. Demo – Layer masking
11. Feature-level masking • Used for cases where a single mask applies to a single feature • Create Overpass • Create Underpass • Uses a relationship class between feature classes
12. Automation • Mask creation via Geoprocessing is easily scriptable Data Updates Automated Annotation Creation Masking Output
13. Editing masks Masks are just polygon features • Can be created by hand • Can be edited if generated • Build your own mask generation algorithms
14. Output • Masks are clipping paths in vector output • Large numbers of masks can complicate press workflows • Primarily in older press RIPs handlings PDFs • Simplified mask shapes can help
15. Thank you