Classify and symbolize polygon features based on field values in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

Symbolized features in ArcGIS Pro refer to the coding of map features to communicate meaning. It is useful to symbolize polygon features based on field values to create boundaries between specific features. Sometimes, modifying region boundaries is necessary for further data analysis.

In ArcGIS Pro, a boundary map can be configured based on its field values by using the Dissolve tool. This article describes the workflow to classify and symbolize polygon features based on field values in ArcGIS Pro. In this example, U.S. state boundaries are used as shown in the image below.

Procedure

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro project.
2. Classify the polygon features based on field values using the Dissolve tool.
   1. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click the Dissolve tool.
   2. In the Dissolve pane, on the Parameters tab, select the polygon feature layer from the Input Features drop-down list.
   3. Provide a name for Output Feature Class.
   4. Select the preferred field from the Dissolve Fields drop-down list. In this example, the Region field is selected.
   5. Check the Create multipart features check box.
   6. Click Run. A new polygon feature layer is created and displayed on the map.

3. Symbolize the new polygon feature layer.
   1. Right-click the polygon feature layer in the Contents pane and click Symbology.
   2. In the Symbology pane, on the Primary symbology tab, select Unique Values from the Primary symbology drop-down list.
   3. Select the field selected in Step 2 (d) for Field 1. In this example, the Region field is selected.

Note: 
Optionally, change the color scheme of the symbology from the Color scheme drop-down list.

4. In the Classes tab, click Add all values to display the polygon features based on field values on the map.

The image below shows the polygon features of the U.S. state boundary layer classified and symbolized based on the Region field values in ArcGIS Pro.