Chapter 9

Exercise 9a
Through this exercise I learned about dynamic labels. I learned that dynamic labelling in
GIS refers to the automatic placement and positioning of labels on a map based on certain
rules and criteria. The position of dynamic labels in ArcMap is determined by a variety of
factors, including the size of the application window. For labeling, it is best to maximize
the ArcMap window if possible. In brief, I can create dynamic labels to avoid conflicts
with other text and features on the map.

Exercise 9b
I learned about setting rules for labels placement in this exercise. When I place labels
dynamically, ArcMap selects label positions based on rules that I can modify.
Furthermore, label and feature weights can be assigned to each layer on a map to
prioritize and resolve labeling conflicts. If there is not enough space to label two nearby
features in different layers, only the feature with the higher label weight will be labeled.
To set rules for label placement, there are various options and parameters available in
ArcGIS that can be used to control label placement at both the layer and individual label
level. Additionally, priority settings can be applied to ensure that more important labels
are placed first. In summary, setting rules for label placement in ArcGIS requires careful
consideration of various factors and the use of tools and options available in the software
to create clear and effective labels.

Exercise 9c
I learned about creating graphic labels through this exercise. Graphic labels can help
convey important information and enhance the visual appeal of a map. To create graphic
labels in ArcGIS, first select the layer I want to label and open its properties. Then, go to
the "Labels" tab and select "Symbol." From here, I can choose the font, color, size, and
style of the text. I can also add symbols and images to the label by selecting the
appropriate options. Once I have customized the label, I can position it on the map by
dragging it to the desired location. I can also adjust the label's size and rotation angle to
fit the map layout. Overall, creating graphic labels in ArcGIS is a powerful tool for
enhancing the visual communication of a map and conveying important information to
viewers.

Exercise 9d
I learned about converting dynamic labels to annotation through this exercise. Although I
have considerable control over dynamically placed labels, I can’t specify exact positions
or symbolize them individually. To accomplish this, I must convert the labels to
annotation, which essentially means that I instruct ArcMap to delegate full responsibility
for label placement and appearance to me. This can be useful for creating high-quality
maps that require precise placement and formatting of labels. To convert dynamic labels
to annotations, I need to open the Map Document that contains the dynamic labels, which
in this exercise I use the map of Florida state, right-click on the layer, and select "Convert
Labels to Annotation." In the conversion dialog box, I can choose the type of annotation I
want to create and specify the placement method and text size. Overall, converting
dynamic labels to annotation is a powerful tool for creating high-quality maps that
accurately convey spatial information.
 Chapter 10

Exercise 10a
I learned about creating a layout in this exercise. ArcMap has rulers, guides, and a grid to
help me arrange map elements on a page. I can also align, nudge (move incrementally),
distribute (space evenly), order, rotate, and resize selected elements. For this exercise, I
create a page layout of the biodiversity of Queensland, Australia, and have just finished
mapping its 13 biogeographic regions and 133 biogeographic subregions (also known as
bioregions and bio-subregions, respectively). When creating a layout in ArcGIS, it is
important to ensure that the data frame is properly aligned, positioned, rescaled, and
ordered to provide a clear and informative overview of the data. To help me place data
frames exactly, I turn on page guides. Guides can be very helpful when creating a layout
in ArcGIS. Guides are lines that I can add to the layout view to help align and position
data frames and map elements. To add guides to the layout, go to the View menu and
select "Guides". Repositioning the data frame involves moving it to a new location on the
page. This can be done using the Pan tool or by entering specific coordinates in the Data
Frame Properties dialog box. Rescaling the data frame allows users to adjust the size of
the map to fit the page or to focus on a particular area of interest. This can be done by
dragging the corners of the data frame or by using the Scale tool in the Layout toolbar.
Changing the layer order of the data frame can help to clarify the relationship between
different layers of data. Users can use the Bring to Front or Send to Back tools to move
layers up or down in the display order. Overall, by carefully aligning, repositioning,
rescaling, and ordering the data frame in ArcGIS, users can create an effective and
visually appealing layout that effectively communicates their data.

Exercise 10b
I learned about adding titles and additional text through this exercise. One of the key
features of ArcGIS is the ability to add titles and additional text to maps and layouts.
Every map has a title, and many have subtitles. A good title informs the reader about
what to look for on the map. To add a title to a map in ArcGIS, users first need to open
Layout View. Once users are in the Layout View, click on the "Insert" tab at the top of
the screen and select "Title". A text box will appear on the map where users can type in
their desired title. Users can change its font, size, style, or color on the Draw toolbar. In
addition to adding a title, users can also add subtitle and descriptive text to the map in
ArcGIS. This can be useful for providing context to the map or explaining certain
features or data. Users can also add a background to the text, subtitle, and descriptive text
and adjust its position on the map. Overall, adding titles and additional text in ArcGIS
can help enhance the overall presentation of the map and provide valuable context and
information to the audience.

Exercise 10c
I learned about adding standard map elements through this exercise. Map elements such
as the north arrow, scale bar, and legend provide useful information to readers about the
map. These elements are dynamically associated with the data frame that is active when
they are inserted. To add a north arrow, select "North Arrow" from the "Insert" menu,
and choose the style and placement. To add a scale bar, select "Scale Bar" from the
"Insert" menu, and choose the units, division, and placement. Similarly, to add a legend,
select "Legend" from the "Insert" menu, choose the layers I want to include, and
customize the text, symbols, and placement. Once all the map elements are added, I can
arrange and format them as desired to create a professional and informative map layout.
Overall, adding standard map elements in ArcGIS is an essential step in creating a clear
and visually appealing map that effectively communicates the data to the viewer.

Exercise 10d
I learned about adding final touches and setting print options through this exercise.
Before sending a map to print, I should check my page setup options and preview the
map in ArcMap. In this exercise, I learned to add a neatline, information about the map
projection, a title for the bio-subregions index, and a picture graphic. After that, I preview
my map and send it to a printer. Printing is not the only option for sharing my maps with
others. I can export my map to many types of file formats, including pdf format which is
a common format that can be easily opened and shared.