idea Add scale bar in Field Maps in ArcGIS Field Maps Ideas

Add scale bar in Field Maps

IngridHogle — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:02:33 GMT

Please add a scale bar in Field Maps so users have a quick way to judge distance as they zoom in and out, navigate an area, and digitize features.

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

JustinReynolds — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 03:15:12 GMT

Looks like they plan on adding one. It is currently available in Field Maps "Preview" Build 1029. It is visible while zooming then quickly fades away.

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

MichaelLohr — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:55:30 GMT

Scale is always important in any map. Hard to believe after all these years, ESRI is only now getting around to enabling this, but it should be displayed at all times, not just during viewing. Good idea

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

IngridHogle — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:39:07 GMT

Thanks, @JustinReynolds ! This is great news. Personally, I would like the scale bar to always be accessible and not fade away after zooming, since it is useful for judging distance while digitizing features. We work in salt marshes and mudflats, mapping invasive plants and endangered bird sightings. I can imagine that in an urban landscape where there are lots of landmarks to help one digitize, the scale bar is less useful. But in our setting, it is critical.

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

LindsayRaabe_FPCWA — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:51:58 GMT

Agree that it should remain visible at all times, not just when changing the zoom level. We have similar scale issues working in forestry where there are less "well-defined" features that you can judge scale from.

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

QueenBee — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:53:02 GMT

Yes please

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

cbp-geus — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 09:32:22 GMT

Are there any updates on this? Scale bar should be mandatory as most users rely on having a sense of reference when looking at a map. Currently our users have to rely on the measurement feature every time, which is not optimal when collecting data in the field in harsh conditions.

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

NoMonkey — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:58:49 GMT

Having a scale bar would be incredibly useful when working with aerial photography and doing ecology surveying in rural locations (especially on Scottish moorland which is all just vaguely brown aerial photography for much of the year).

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

GISAnderson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:11:42 GMT

Adding to the chorus! Our ecologists always need a permanently visible scale bar while conducting fieldwork

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

MichaelLohr — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 17:18:07 GMT

For sure! Always need a scale bar and N arrow.

Re: Add scale bar in Field Maps

JamieDodd — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 03:04:14 GMT

Agreed with the above - a scale bar would be very useful for our field staff. I'm happy enough with how north works presently.