HOW TO

Change the level of densification for graticules to better match precise data

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Summary

A graticule shows latitude and longitude lines on a map. When a graticule is built, vertices are added at one degree intervals, by default. This is to allow the graticule lines to bend to better fit the curvature of the graticule. In some cases, such as large scale maps or precise data, the amount of densification may need to be increased to better fit the graticule to the data.

Procedure

Graticules use a default value of one, when densifying the lines. This means a vertex is placed every one degree along the graticule line. This is sufficient for many maps; however, some maps with more precise data or very large map scale may require more densified graticule lines.

Starting at ArcGIS 9.2 Service Pack 4, a registry key can be set that allows the amount of densification to the graticule lines to be adjusted manually.
Note:
The key was new at ArcGIS 9.2 Service Pack 4. It has no effect on previous versions of ArcGIS Desktop.

Starting with ArcGIS 9.3, the AdvancedArcMapSettings program can be used to change the densification value without editing the registry directly. For ArcGIS 9.2 Service Pack 4 and subsequent 9.2 service packs, the registry must be edited directly.

Note:
To use the AdvancedArcMapSettings program or to edit the registry, administrator or power user privileges must be granted.

Instructions for the various versions are as follows:

A. Instructions for ArcGIS 9.3 and later

1. Navigate to the Utilities folder under the ArcGIS installation directory. For example, for ArcGIS 10.x, the default path is:

C:\Program Files (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.x\Utilities

2. Double-click AdvancedArcMapSettings.exe.
3. Select the Data Frame tab.
4. Set the desired Graticule densification level.
[O-Image]
• Valid values are 0.01 to 5.
• If 0 is entered, the default of 1.0 is used.
• For anything larger than 5.0, 5.0 is used.
• For anything smaller than 0.01 (but not 0, see above), 0.01 is used.

5. Click Apply to apply the change and then click Close to exit the Advanced Settings utility.

B. Instructions for ArcGIS 9.2 Service Pack 4 and subsequent 9.2 service packs

Warning:
This article contains instructions to make specific changes to essential parts of your operating system. If these specific changes are not done correctly, it may cause serious problems to your computer operating system and files. First, ESRI recommends that you make a complete backup of your system, including the registry, before implementing any of the specific changes. It is highly recommended that you consult with your IT/MIS department, or other qualified computer systems professional before proceeding. ESRI cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from incorrect use of the Registry Editor utility. Use the Registry Editor utility at your own risk. Note: your operating system and any subsequent service packs may effect these instructions. These instructions are subject to change without notice.

1. Navigate to Start > Run. Type 'regedit' and click OK to open the Windows Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ESRI\ArcMap\Settings.

Note:
If the Settings folder doesn't exist, it can be created by selecting the Edit menu > New > Key.

3. Create a new key under Settings by selecting the Edit menu > New > Key. Name the new key Graticule.
4. Create a new String Value by selecting Edit menu > New > String Value. Name the new String Value DensificationDistanceInDegrees.
5. Set a value for DensificationDistanceInDegrees.

• Valid values are 0.01 to 5.
• If 0 is entered, the default of 1.0 is used.
• For anything larger than 5.0, 5.0 is used.
• For anything smaller than 0.01 (but not 0, see above), 0.01 is used.

6. Exit the Registry Editor.

Article ID:000009608

Software:
  • ArcMap

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