HOW TO

Is it possible to edit a layer in a layout without modifying the source data?

Last Published: June 9, 2021

Procedure

Yes, it is possible to edit a layer in a layout without modifying the source data. A layout is a set of map elements prepared on a virtual page in ArcGIS Pro for map printing. These map elements are projected on the layout by referencing data from a specified number of layers. As the layout projects the source data from a geodatabase, sourcing the layer data from other geodatabases does not modify the data.

If the objective is to only visualize the layout, making changes to the geodatabase without saving a copy of the project is possible.

Use either one of these workflows to edit a layer without modifying the source data.

Export the edited layer to another geodatabase

  1. Start ArcGIS Pro and open the feature as a layer.
  2. Right-click the layer and click Data > Export Features.
The Export Features function on the selected layer
  1. Specify the new geodatabase as the Output Location. Insert a new name into the Output Name field.
The Export Features window used to export the selected feature into a new geodatabase
  1. Click OK. A copy of the layer referencing the new geodatabase is created on the map for editing.

Create a project folder copy in Microsoft Windows Explorer

  1. Make a copy of the project folder in Microsoft Windows Explorer.
The Microsoft Windows Explorer window with a copy of the project folder
  1. Start ArcGIS Pro and sign in if necessary.
  2. Click Start without a template.
The ArcGIS Pro Start page
  1. In ArcGIS Pro, in the Catalog pane, right-click Folders and click Add Folder Connection.
The ArcGIS Pro Catalog pane to add a folder connection
  1. Navigate to the newly copied project folder and click OK.
The file folder navigation window
  1. Apply the changes to the feature layer.

The image below demonstrates a layout with the map elements from a different layer data source. The edited feature layer is reflected in the newly inserted layout with a new map frame containing the feature layer to the layout.

The layout example in ArcGIS Pro

Article ID: 000025086

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 8 x
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 7 x
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 x

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