Create arc lines with arrowheads on a layout in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

Arc lines with arrowheads are commonly used as arrows on a map to represent movement or direction, such as wind direction, ocean currents, or migration patterns. In ArcGIS Pro, these arrows can be created on a layout by using the graphic elements. This method is useful for quickly understanding the spatial patterns represented in the dataset and visualizing the direction of a mapped phenomenon. In some cases, the curved arrow can be used but the line result is not as smooth or flexible as using the arc line.

This article describes the workflow to create arc lines with arrowheads on a layout in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. Add a layout to the project. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Add a layout to a project for instructions.
3. Add a map frame to the layout. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Insert a map frame for instructions.
4. Create an arc graphic element as an arc line on the layout.
1. On the ribbon, click the Insert tab.
2. In the Graphics and Text group, select the Arc graphic element.

3. Click the layout to create the first vertex of the arc.
4. Move the pointer and click the layout to create a second point.
5. Move the pointer and click the layout to create the endpoint of the arc.
6. Double-click or press the F2 key to finish the arc segment.

5. Create a triangle graphic element as an arrowhead on the layout.
1. On the ribbon, click the Insert tab.
2. In the Graphics and Text group, select the Triangle graphic element.

3. On the layout, click and drag a box to create an arrowhead. Move, rotate, or scale the arrowhead to ensure it fits the arc line, if necessary.

Note:
•  To rotate the graphic element, hover near a selection box handle until the pointer changes to the rotate pointer and drag the element.
•  To move the graphic element, hover over the selection box and drag the element when the pointer changes to the move cursor.
•  To scale the graphic element, hover over a selection box handle until the pointer changes to the scale pointer and drag the handle.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to create multiple arc lines with arrowheads on the layout.

Note:
To copy the selected graphic element, press the Ctrl+C key, then press the Ctrl+V key to paste it on the layout.

The image below shows the arc lines with arrowheads representing the wind direction created on the layout.