topic How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer in ArcGIS Pro Questions

How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer

JacobLyons — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:57:51 GMT

Hey Esri Community,

I am trying to generate a Grid Index based on a feature layer that has a little over 100 features, so I can then use that as a spatial map series to avoid having to create 100+ layouts or bookmarks manually. I need an overlapping Grid Index polygon centered on each feature at 1:24,000k for a map frame that is 6.5" x 8" portrait. If I run the Grid Index tool with the input feature being my desired feature layer with the above parameters set, it only generates about 30 non-overlapping polygons and does not even center the features.

Typically I would just do this manually, but this project is huge and I'm on a bit of a time crunch so trying to automate as much as possible.

Open to any workarounds, ideas, suggestions, etc. Can provide more context if that is helpful.

Re: How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer

JacobLyons — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:05:15 GMT

To clarify, each feature needs its own map page centered on it.

Re: How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer

Neal_t_k — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:28:11 GMT

Can you get the centroid point of each feature, then make a Square Buffer around each point as your "grid" Using the resulting polygon file for your index.

https://support.esri.com/en-us/knowledge-base/how-to-create-a-square-buffer-around-a-point-feature-in-000023198

Re: How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer

JacobLyons — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:29:28 GMT

That's what I am attempting right now, but I need them to be rectangular to fit the map frame in my layout.

Re: How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer

JacobLyons — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:45:57 GMT

Square buffers worked! Just make sure "clip to index feature" is toggled off.

Thanks for the help!

Re: How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer

JesseWickizer — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:52:37 GMT

Unless you need the polygons for some other analysis, you don't need extent rectangle polygons to create a spatial map series for all of the features. Create the Spatial Map Series and then set the Map Extent to Center and maintain scale.

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