Add PDF files as basemaps in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

Beginning with ArcGIS Pro 3.3, PDF files can be directly added to maps as raster layers. These PDF layers can be visualized, enhanced, georeferenced, and analyzed in the same manner as raster layers, which includes utilizing raster functions and geoprocessing tools on the PDF layers.

A significant advantage of this new feature is the ability to use PDF layers directly as basemaps, without converting them to other formats such as TIFF. This enhances efficiency and allows for easy analysis and visualization using existing functions and tools. This article outlines the workflow to add PDF files to ArcGIS Pro for use as basemaps.

Procedure

1. In ArcGIS Pro, create a new project or open an existing project.
2. Add the PDF file from the file system or folder connection.
   1. On the Map tab, in the Layer group, click the Add Data drop-down arrow and select Browse....
   2. In the Add Data window, select the PDF file and click OK.
   3. In the PDF Options dialog box, specify the page of the file to add, the resolution, and the color mode if necessary, and click OK.
3. On the Contents pane, ensure the PDF layer is selected.
4. On the Imagery tab, in the Alignment group, click Georeference to open the Georeference tab.
5. Click Fit to Display to display the PDF layer on the current map extent.

The image below shows the PDF layer added to the map.

6. Georeference the PDF layer.
   1. On the Georeference tab, in the Prepare group, use the Move, Scale, or Rotate tools to reposition the PDF layer to closely align with the existing feature layer or the default basemap.
   2. In the Adjust group, import or create control points to shift the PDF layer from its existing location to the spatially correct location. Alternatively, click Auto-Georeference to automatically create control points. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Adjust for more information. In this example, a few control points are added between the PDF layer and the existing basemap. For more information on the georeferencing tools, refer to ArcGIS Pro: Georeferencing tools.

7. On the Georeference tab, click Save and Close Georeference.
8. Remove or uncheck the default basemap layer from the Contents pane.

The image below shows the georeferenced PDF layer added as the basemap in ArcGIS Pro.