idea Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project

-_- — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:59:24 GMT

I want to improve the time it takes to load an entire project even when I just want to make a small edit.
It would be convenient if I could open only a specific map and its related data source and layout from a project that contains multiple maps and layouts, and edit or output it.
It would be even better if I could easily switch between them with a simple operation (such as holding down the shift key while opening a project, and applying the function).

For example,

In a city project, there are maps "Population", "Industry", and "Transportation", and layouts "A3" and "A0".
I want to open layout "A3" with map "Population" applied, edit it, and output the image.
However, map "Industry" contains data for a wide range of topographical maps, so it takes a long time to open the project.
In such cases, I would like to be able to select and load only map "Population" and layout "A3", open them, and edit them smoothly.

This is a simple image. Thank you for reading my idea.

Re: Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project

AmirBar-Maor — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:09:17 GMT

@-_-

Did you consider a using a task?

A task step has the ability to open and close any map view and/or layout - so you can create steps that set your required combinations. A task step can also link map views and set which view is active.

Creating a task is easy and does not require any programming.

Would that work?

Re: Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project

-_- — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:16:59 GMT

@AmirBar-Maor

I understood that the function of tasks is to "automate work," but is that wrong?

Re: Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project

AmirBar-Maor — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:23:09 GMT

@-_-

In general, we use the geoprocessing framework to automate processes. Tasks are used for repeatable workflows that have an interactive component.

A step in a task can call any command, geoprocessing tool, geoprocessing model, geoprocessing script tool, or an Add-In . Tasks also use your 'business language' and help share and promote best practices.

To learn more about tasks you can find more information in the help documentation and/or watch this UC recorded session.

Re: Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project

-_- — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:30:58 GMT

@AmirBar-Maor

What I want to do is improve the slowness of ArcGIS PRO that occurs when heavy data is loaded.
Projects that contain heavy data take time just to open.
I was thinking that by loading only parts of the project rather than the whole thing, operation might become faster.

Re: Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project

AmirBar-Maor — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:45:55 GMT

@-_-

Try to open your project with all your maps closed - it should be fast, then try to isolate which maps / layouts are causing the slowness.

A slow map is often a result of:

A map that pulls data using a slow internet connection from other portals or basemaps.
Layers that have poor or no scale dependency.
Layers that draw labels in the wrong scales (try to view unplaced labels).
A feature class that needs some TLC (recalculate the spatial index, statistics...)
If using ArcGIS Enterprise - make sure it is configured (sizing, instances...) properly.
...

ArcGIS Monitor (Alt+Ctrl+M) can help you identify what causes the slowness. You can also consider contacting technical support.

Re: Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project

-_- — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 01:50:05 GMT

@AmirBar-Maor

I see, so to achieve what I want,

- Close all maps at first

- When opening, open only the maps you will use

- If a map is causing the slowness, remove it

I'm fine with that. Thank you.

Right now I have a lot of layers in one map and I use it by switching the display, but I wonder if that will cause the map to become slow?

I often create pngs with the same layout, but only the layers that are displayed are different.

A simple image. In reality, there are several groups with multiple layers, and I switch the display of those.

Re: Ability to only load specific maps and layouts from a project - Status changed to: In Product Plan

AubriOtis — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:19:25 GMT