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Password Protected Elements in ArcGIS Pro

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02-17-2025 09:01 PM
Status: Open
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LindsayRaabe_FPCWA
MVP Regular Contributor

IDEA: In ArcGIS Pro, have the ability to password protect an element to prevent it from being modified or deleted from a layout altogether, similar to how Microsoft Excel lets users protect whole tabs or just certain cells with a password. 

USE CASE: Our GIS Team are custodian of a number of map templates that any number of users can access, Save As and modify to suit their requirements. Lately though, there's been a couple of compliance incidents that have resulted in close scrutiny of the maps produced and whether they were using up-to-date templates (or and older one with broken data sources). To make this easier to identify in the future, we have included a small, faint text box in the bottom corner of each layout stating when the template was last updated by our team. This is of course Locked, but that only prevents it being selected via the Layout display and moved by accident. Someone could of course still unlock it if they wish, update the text and even delete it outright if they so chose. Having the option to password protect elements means we could set certain elements up that must be included regardless of what other changes users may like to make. This could apply to disclaimers, corporate branding and Logos, or any number of other items deemed essential for all products exported from a template. 

2 Comments
Clubdebambos

I liked the introduction of locking the elements as in ArcMap my templates were always destroyed with accidental drags. I think being able to password protect elements is a good idea and would add extra control/security to those that heavily depend on templates. A good start would be to set the password once in the APRX and then apply to any element you wish which will lock it and protect it in place. 

LindsayRaabe_FPCWA

I agree, one password across a whole project would probably be sufficient. Then within each element you could have more granular control over which behaviours are protected. Maybe based on the different sections within the elements pane as shown below. 

You may want to protect the Display and Placement for all elements but leave their Options and Arrangement/Properties/etc unprotected, permitting changes to an elements name , Visibility range, etc.

 

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