HOW TO

Symbolize polygon feature layers as points relative to scale in ArcGIS Pro

Last Published: April 18, 2023

Summary

In ArcGIS Pro, polygon feature layers can be symbolized as points by using alternate symbols that create subscale ranges. In this example, a polygon feature layer is symbolized as points to reduce clutter when the map is zoomed out to smaller scales in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

  1. Open the project containing the polygon feature layer in ArcGIS Pro.
  2. In the Contents pane, right-click the polygon feature layer and click Symbology.
The Symbology option in Contents Pane.
  1. In the Symbology pane, select Unique Values or Graduated Colors from the Primary symbology drop-down list. In this example, Unique Values is selected.
  2. Add an alternate symbol to the desired symbol class. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Show alternate symbols at different scales for instructions. In this example, an alternate symbol is added to the CON symbol class.
The alternate symbol in the Symbology pane.
  1. In the Scale Range (min to max) column, use the slider to adjust the main scale at which the symbol class changes from polygon to point.
  2. Click the symbol on the second subscale range to symbolize the polygon features as points at smaller scales.
The Scales tab in the Symbology pane.
Note:
To symbolize the polygon features as points at larger scales, click the symbol on the first subscale range.
  1. In the Format Polygon Symbol pane, click the Properties tab and click the Structure tab.
  2. In the Layers section, click Add symbol layer and select Marker layer from the drop-down list.
  3. Delete the existing symbol layers.
The format polygon symbol configuration in the Symbology pane.
  1. Click the Layers tab.
  2. Expand the Marker Placement section. For Placement, select At center from the drop-down list to place the symbol only at the center of features.
  3. Click Apply.
The format polygon symbol configuration in the Symbology pane.
  1. Optionally, repeat Steps 4 to 12 to change the symbol of other symbol classes to point.

The polygon feature layer is symbolized by points at smaller scales.

The polygon symbol turns to points when zoomed out at main scale range.

Article ID: 000030009

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 1
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 0
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 x

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