tut Pro: Grids Graticules

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Grids and Graticules in ArcGIS Pro

In ArcGIS Pro, a Grid is a set of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines drawn on a map. A Graticule is a set of latitude and longitude lines. Grid lines can be spaced in feet, meters, etc. Graticules are spaced in measures of degrees. Grids are orthagonal (at right angles to each other). Graticules appear at right angles (especially near the equator) but are less so as the lines of longitude converge at the poles of the earth.

In practice, the terms Grid and Graticule are often used interchangeably, and at many map scales they appear much the same (a set of horizontal and vertical lines on the map)... Indeed, ArcGIS Pro uses the same set of tools (many identified as Grid tools) for both Grids and Graticules.

There are two basic ways to add Grids or Graticules to a map:

  1. Have (or create) a feature class of lines (spaced and located as desired) that are added to a Map
    • Pro: can be placed 'behind' land features
    • Pro: can use semi-transparent line symbology
    • Pro: can be labeled on the map
    • Con: have to have and manage a separate data layer
    • Con: once created, can't change the spacing or units without editing the features
  2. Use the automatically drawn Grid or Graticule lines (and labels) that can be inserted onto a Layout
    • Pro: can be drawn at whatever measurement distance or units desired
    • Pro: don't have to have a separate data layer
    • Pro: can label the lines at the edges of the Map frame (outside of the map), even if the lines aren't drawn
    • Pro: can have "tic" marks at the edge of the map (which can be drawn with or without the lines)
    • Con: can't put the lines behind the land features
    • Con: can't use semi-transparent lines

The first option (using a feature class of lines) is fairly common and fairly simple. Feature classes, especially for lines of latitude and longitude, are readily available and can be symbolized as desired. Again, one of the main appeals of this method is the ability to have the graticule lines behind the land features so they are only shown in the oceans, creating a figure-ground effect.

The second method involves considerably more setting of properties, some of which are detailed below.

Note that it is not unusual to use elements of both methods. For example, one might use a line feature class for the graticule lines (drawn behind the land features) as well as using an Map frame Graticule with the lines themselves turned off (they are unnecessary) and just using Map frame graticule for the labeling (at the edge of the map frame).

 

Map Frame Grids and Graticules

  • With a Map Frame added to a Layout, choose the Insert ribbon
  • From the Insert ribbon, click the Grid button
    • Choose one of the pre-defined Graticules or Grids
      • Graticules will be in degrees of latitude and longitude
      • Grids will be in specified units (typically feet or meters)
    • The chosen grid (or graticule) should be applied to the map frame
    • The new grid will be added to the Layout Contents as a part of the Map Frame (similar to a data layer in the Map)
      • Note that both grids and graticules will be identified as a Grid in the Contents
  • To modify basic properties of a Grid:
    • Select the Grid in the Layout Contents
    • Choose the Format ribbon
    • From the Format ribbon, choose Map Grid, Labels, Tics, Gridlines, or Neatline from the drop-down menu
      • Adjust the properties (line or text size, color, etc.) as desired
  • To modify the additional / advanced properties of a Grid:
    • Right-click on the Grid in the Layout Contents and choose Properties
    • In the Format Map Grid pane:
      • Choose Map Grid, Labels, Tics, Gridlines, or Neatline from the drop-down menu
      • Choose sub-tabs and sections as needed to specify properties as desired
    • Some of the key settings (in the Format Map Grid pane):
      • To turn the lines off (and leave just the tic marks and/or labels at the edge of the map):
        • Select Gridlines / Properties / Layers
        • Uncheck the visibility
      • Graticules will always be in degrees of latitude and longitude, but with a Grid you can specify the coordinate system:
        • Select Map Grid / Options / Coordinate System
      • By default the spacing of a Grid (or Graticule) is automatically adjusted to fit the size of the Map Frame at the scale of the map (if you zoom in or out the number and spacing of the lines will be adjusted). If you want to specify a certain interval for the spacing:
        • Select Map Grid / Options / Interval
          • Uncheck the box for Automatically adjust
        • Select Map Grid / Components / Interval
          • Specify the desired spacing
      • To adjust the labels formatting (font, size, color, etc.):
        • Select Labels / Gallery or Labels / Properties
        • Modify as desired
      • To modify the placement of the labels:
        • Select Map Grid / Components / Vertical
          • Check the box next to North, South, East, or West to draw the labels vertically on a specified side of the map
        • Select Map Grid / Components / Visible
          • Uncheck the box next to North, South, East, or West to not draw labels on a specified side of the amp