Basemap is blurry and distorted after running the XY Table To Point tool in ArcGIS Pro

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, a point feature class can be added to a map based on the x, y, and z coordinates from a table by running the XY Table To Point tool. However, in some instances, the basemap is blurry and distorted after running the XY Table To Point tool.

The image below shows the map before running the XY Table To Point tool.

The image below shows the basemap blurry and distorted after running the XY Table To Point tool.

Cause

An empty map derives the coordinate system from the first layer added to the map. This results in the map frame's coordinate system changing from the default WGS 1984 Web Mercator (Auxiliary Sphere) to WGS 1984 after running the XY Table To Point tool, causing the basemap to appear distorted and blurry.

Solution or Workaround

To resolve this issue, change the coordinate system of the output layer of the XY Table To Point tool, and change the map's coordinate system.

1. In ArcGIS Pro, click the Analysis tab, and click Tools.

2. In the Geoprocessing pane, type Project in the search bar, and click the Project (Data Management Tools) box.

3. In the Project tool pane, for the Input Dataset or Feature Class section, click the down arrow to select the output layer of the XY Table To Point tool.
4. For the Output Coordinate System section, click the Select coordinate system icon.
5. In the Coordinate System window,
   1. Type WGS 1984 Web Mercator in the search bar.
   2. Expand the Projected Coordinate System header and the World subheader, click WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere).
   3. Click OK.

6. In the Project tool, click Run.
7. In the Contents pane, right-click the Map layer, and click Properties.

8. In the Map Properties: Map window, click Coordinate Systems on the sidebar.
9. To match the map's coordinate system to the output layer of the Project tool, type WGS 1984 Web Mercator in the search bar.
10. Expand the Projected Coordinate System header and the World subheader, and select WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere).
11. Click OK.

The image below shows the final result with the basemap clear and not distorted.