topic Re: Create a symbol based on dimensions in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Create a symbol based on dimensions

IB3 — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 18:52:05 GMT

Hi there,

I want to create a point symbol in the shape of a rectangle of 1m large. Is this possible to create a symbol of a specific dimension in arcgis?

Thanks in advance

Isabelle

Re: Create a symbol based on dimensions

DavidPike — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:15:20 GMT

You can create a polygon (shape) which occupies exact physical dimensions. Do you want to digitize (draw) it yourself or do you have centroid/centre coordinates for the squares?

Re: Create a symbol based on dimensions

IB3 — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:21:04 GMT

I want to draw it myself and then use it as a symbol for a point feature.

Re: Create a symbol based on dimensions

David_Brooks — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:26:00 GMT

@IB3 these are the steps:

1. Change your 2D symbol units to cm in Pro options

2. Set your point symbol to be a rectangle 1cm in size

3. Set a reference scale on your map of 1:100 scale

4. Set your layer to scale symbol when a refernce scale is set

Hey presto, you have a 1m square.

Obviously this also applies to any symbol. You can import your own SVG symbol instead.

Re: Create a symbol based on dimensions

DavidPike — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:44:09 GMT

Ah gotcha,

For this to work you'd need to have your map frame in a projected coordinate system.

Go to symbology and choose 'Proportional Symbols'

On the 'field' option just add an expression with the value of 0.5 (or you could add a new field and populate it with 'radius' values for the square then use that field).

Unit -meters

'Data represents' - Radius (this is why we set to 0.5 not 1)

symbol form - square (options are limited here with symbol and styling)

et voila.

Re: Create a symbol based on dimensions

jcarlson — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:45:27 GMT

Also useful: https://www.convertunits.com/from/meter/to/pt

Points don't divide nicely into metric units, but when you know the conversion, it's possible to set the reference scale such that 1 pt = 1 m. Where 1 m is roughly 2835 pts, a 1 pt symbol measures out to 1 m.

Re: Create a symbol based on dimensions

IB3 — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:34:21 GMT

Thanks everyone for helpen.