topic Re: inserting compass rose in map layout using ArcGIS PRO 2.8 in ArcGIS Pro Questions

inserting compass rose in map layout using ArcGIS PRO 2.8

HampLankford — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 01:08:45 GMT

I am new to ArcGIS and ArcGIS PRO and am creating nautical charts pulling together map layers for a number of different sources. In the layouts I am creating I need to add compass roses that show both true and magnetic north as well as angles of variation from these two. I see from posts for ArcMAP that adding compass roses was an option there. (I believe that adding the rose was under MAGVAR.)

In ArcGIS PRO I see how to insert arrows in a map layout for both true north and magnetic north and how to put them together to create a declination diagram. However, I need to add the full compass rose needed to determine directional bearings.

Please tell me how compass roses can be inserted in layouts without using ArcGIS Maritime which I don't have.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hamp

Re: inserting compass rose in map layout using ArcGIS PRO 2.8

jcarlson — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 01:46:57 GMT

There are a number of north arrows that are the full compass rose style. Or do you need something more detailed than the 4 cardinal directions?

Re: inserting compass rose in map layout using ArcGIS PRO 2.8

jcarlson — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 01:52:39 GMT

Let's assume the built-in arrows aren't quite what you want. Just go ahead and pick one to start.

Open up the north arrow's properties in the Element panel.

If you click on the Symbol, you'll see it's really just a shape marker. If you change the shape to some other file, say an SVG of a really nice compass rose, it will show in your layout! And since it's still technically a "North Arrow" object, it will stay aligned to north if the map is rotated.

Unfortunately, Pro does not have the ability to save custom North Arrows, so you'll always be a few clicks away from easily inserting your own, but it's possible.

Re: inserting compass rose in map layout using ArcGIS PRO 2.8

AubriOtis — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 16:23:10 GMT

Thanks @jcarlson, that's the best way to go about it. And Pro DOES have the ability to save custom north arrows. They are saved to a style so you can use again and again. Just right-click the custom north-arrow and choose Save as Style. 😊

Re: inserting compass rose in map layout using ArcGIS PRO 2.8

jcarlson — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 16:28:58 GMT

Good to know! I was just assuming from the Manage Style → New Item lacking a "North Arrow" option. Very cool!